Devices for moving a toilet, and related methods and kits

ABSTRACT

In certain aspects, devices and methods for moving a toilet are provided that can include an elongated member, a first engaging member, and a second engaging member. The engaging members can be coupled to the elongated member and extend radially away from the elongated member. The engaging members can include contact surfaces that are disposed distal to the elongated member and that are configured to engage the toilet. In other aspects, devices and methods for moving a toilet can include a handle, a first collar, and a second collar. The collars can be coupled to the handle and can be configured to slide along the handle in unlocked modes and to positionally secure along the handle in locked modes. The collars can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removable shackles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/179,899, filed May 21, 2015, the entiretyof which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to thefield of tools. More particularly, the present disclosure relates totools for moving toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toilets may need to be moved for a variety of reasons, such as fortransportation, installation, repair work, etc. Toilets, however, arebulky and cumbersome, which can make it difficult for a person tosecurely grab and lift. Typically, a person will straddle the toilet,bend over to awkwardly grab and lift the toilet, and then slowly shufflehis or her feet while bending over and holding the toilet. This canplace excess strain on the person's back and potentially injure theperson. Moreover, moving the toilet in this manner may not be practicalor possible for significant distances, and may even prove difficult forshort distances. This manner of moving a toilet can cause a person tostumble or prematurely lower the toilet, which can possibly lead todamaging the toilet or soiling the floor. Furthermore, a person may havelittle to no visibility of where his or her feet are in relation to theground. This can increase the risk of injury to the user and damage tothe toilet.

Used toilets can also be unsanitary to touch if they are dirty and notthoroughly cleaned beforehand. Often, a person is required to hold thetoilet in close proximity (e.g., “hug” the toilet) to lift and carry thetoilet. Also, in an attempt to get a firm hold on the toilet, a personcan try holding the rim of the toilet or inserting one's hand into thetoilet bowl. These techniques, however, can subject the person to germs,such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

People sometimes resort to using dollies or other transport systems tomove a toilet. Dollies and other transport systems tend to be relativelylarge, however, and can present their own set of issues. The systems canbe bulky and expensive for instance. Furthermore, due to their size,structure, or weight, these systems can lack portability and can beinconvenient to set up, store, or transport. These attributes can alsoprove inconvenient and impractical during use. For example, thesesystems typically have a frame with legs or wheels that contact theground while the toilet is lifted off the ground. This can make itdifficult to move the toilet over rough or uneven surfaces. It can alsomake it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to move the toilet up ordown stairs in a safe and careful manner. Even with a hand truck dolly,it can be hard to lift or lower the toilet up or down each step in acareful and smooth manner that does not bang or jolt the toilet witheach step. Moreover, it can be difficult to simply lift and lower aheavy toilet in a slow and controlled manner with a hand truck dolly.These systems can thus lack a level of user control, which can increasethe risk of damage to the toilet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a hand-held device formoving a toilet is provided that can include an elongated member, afirst engaging member, and a second engaging member. The first engagingmember and the second engaging member can be coupled to the elongatedmember and extend radially away from the elongated member. The firstengaging member can include a first contact surface that is disposeddistal to the elongated member and that is configured to engage thetoilet. The second engaging member can include a second contact surfacethat is disposed distal to the elongated member and that is configuredto engage the toilet.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method of moving atoilet is provided that can include coupling a hand-held device to thetoilet. The hand-held device can include an elongated member, a firstengaging member, and a second engaging member. The first engaging memberand the second engaging member can be coupled to the elongated memberand extend radially away from the elongated member. The first engagingmember can include a first contact surface that is disposed distal tothe elongated member and that is configured to engage the toilet. Thesecond engaging member can include a second contact surface that isdisposed distal to the elongated member and that is configured to engagethe toilet. The method can also include applying force to the elongatedmember to move the toilet.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a hand-held device formoving a toilet is provided that can include a handle, a first collar,and a second collar. The first collar can be coupled to the handle andcan be configured to slide along the handle in a first unlocked mode andto positionally secure along the handle in a first locked mode. Thefirst collar can be configured to receive and secure to one or moreremovable shackles. The second collar can be coupled to the hand and canbe configured to slide along the handle in a second unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a second locked mode. The secondcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method of moving atoilet is provided that can include coupling a hand-held device to thetoilet. The hand-held device can include a handle, a first collar, and asecond collar. The first collar can be coupled to the handle and can beconfigured to slide along the handle in a first unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a first locked mode. The firstcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles. The second collar can be coupled to the hand and can beconfigured to slide along the handle in a second unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a second locked mode. The secondcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of at least certain embodiments, referencewill be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toilet,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B depicts an exploded bottom perspective view of one end of thedevice shown in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A depicts a front view of a collar shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the collar shown in FIG. 2A, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2C depicts a bottom view of the collar shown in FIG. 2A, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an extension element shown in FIGS.1A and 1B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an extension element, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an extension element, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 6A depicts a front perspective view of a coupling adaptor,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B depicts a bottom perspective view of the coupling adaptor shownin FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a stabilizing adaptor, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toiletbefore the device is fully engaged with a neck of a toilet from aroundthe neck, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 8A whenthe device is fully engaged with a neck of a toilet from around theneck, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toiletbefore the device is fully engaged with an exterior of a toilet bowlfrom around the toilet bowl, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 9A whenthe device is fully engaged with the exterior of the toilet bowl fromaround the toilet bowl, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toiletbefore the device is fully engaged with a rim of a toilet bowl,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 10A whenthe device is fully engaged with the rim of the toilet, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toiletbefore the device is fully engaged with a neck of a toilet through seatholes, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11B depicts a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 11A whenthe device is fully engaged with the neck of the toilet through the seatholes, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toiletbefore the device is fully engaged with a neck of a toilet via acoupling adaptor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12B depicts a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 12A whenthe device is fully engaged with the neck of the toilet via the couplingadaptor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toiletbefore the device is fully engaged with a neck of a toilet (via acoupling adaptor) and a rim of a toilet bowl, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 13B depicts a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 13A whenthe device is fully engaged with the neck of the toilet (via thecoupling adaptor) and the rim of the toilet bowl, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the stabilizing adaptor shown inFIG. 7 when coupled to a device for moving a toilet, according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to particular embodimentsdescribed, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, sincethe scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appendedclaims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject toany specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either orboth of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, representativeillustrative methods and materials are now described.

It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which can be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinvention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of eventsrecited or in any other order that is logically possible.

In further describing various aspects of the invention, aspects ofembodiments of the subject device for moving a toilet are describedfirst in greater detail. Next, embodiments of methods of moving a toiletin which the subject toilet moving device can find use are reviewed ingreater detail. Lastly, kits for the devices and for use in practicingthe methods are also provided

Devices for Moving a Toilet

As summarized above, in certain aspects a hand-held device for moving atoilet is provided that can include an elongated member, a firstengaging member, and a second engaging member. The first engaging memberand the second engaging member can be coupled to the elongated memberand extend radially away from the elongated member. The first engagingmember can include a first contact surface that is disposed distal tothe elongated member and that is configured to engage the toilet. Thesecond engaging member can include a second contact surface that isdisposed distal to the elongated member and that is configured to engagethe toilet. In addition, in certain aspects a hand-held device formoving a toilet is provided that can include a handle, a first collar,and a second collar. The first collar can be coupled to the handle andcan be configured to slide along the handle in a first unlocked mode andto positionally secure along the handle in a first locked mode. Thefirst collar can be configured to receive and secure to one or moreremovable shackles. The second collar can be coupled to the hand and canbe configured to slide along the handle in a second unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a second locked mode. The secondcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles

In certain aspects, a device for moving a toilet is provided. The term“moving” (or “move”, or “moved”) is used broadly herein with respect tomoving a toilet, and can include lifting, sliding, carrying, toting,transporting, shifting, displacing, setting, mounting, etc., a toilet.The device can be a hand-held device that couples to the toilet byengaging one or more areas of the toilet, either directly or via anadaptor coupled to the toilet. The term “engaging” (or “engage”, or“engaged with”) is used broadly herein with respect to a toilet, and caninclude coupling, joining, uniting, interconnecting, bringing intocontact or bringing together, etc. Once coupled to the toilet, thedevice can enable a user to hold (or grasp) the device with one or bothhands and move the toilet. In some instances, the device can also enablemore than one person to simultaneously hold the device and move thetoilet.

The device can be coupled to the toilet by engaging various areas of thetoilet in different manners. For example, the device can couple to thetoilet by engaging a neck of the toilet from around the neck; byengaging the neck of the toilet through seat holes (or seat bolt holes)in the neck; by engaging the neck of the toilet via an adaptor that iscoupled to the neck of the toilet; by engaging the rim of a rim of atoilet bowl; by engaging an exterior of the toilet bowl from around thebowl; or by engaging a combination of one of the preceding areas andmanners, such as by engaging the rim of the bowl and the neck, eitherdirectly or via the adaptor coupled to the neck. The term “neck” orphrase “neck of the toilet” is used broadly herein to refer to thegeneral area of the toilet that is adjacent to the rim of the toiletbowl, and which typically connects the rim of the toilet bowl to otherareas or components of the toilet. The neck can often extend from therim of the toilet bowl and toward the back end of the toilet, such astowards the toilet tank. The neck can often include holes (which mayalso be referred to herein as “seat holes”) that enable the toilet seatto be bolted (or screwed) to the toilet. The term “seat” is used broadlyherein and may refer to the toilet seat, the lid on the toilet seat, orboth.

As stated above, the device for moving a toilet can include an elongatedmember. The elongated member can couple to the engaging members and canfunction as a handle for the user to hold when moving the toilet. Theuser can hold any area on the elongated member that enables the user toadequately move the toilet as desired. The elongated member can be madefrom one or more materials that are sufficient in strength to supportthe weight of the toilet when moving the toilet. Example materials caninclude, but are not limited to, one or more metals, metal alloys,polymers, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the elongatedmember can be made from stainless steel. The elongated member can berigid in one embodiment, or can provide minimal flex in anotherembodiment. In one embodiment, the elongated member can include a handleor coating made from a different material (e.g., rubber or otherpolymer) to enhance grip.

The size and shape of the elongated member can vary in differentembodiments. Since the elongated member functions as a handle for theuser to grip when moving the toilet, the cross-sectional size and shapeof the elongated member can affect the comfort or grip of the user. Thecross-sectional shape and size of the elongated member should notinhibit or prevent the user from adequately holding the elongatedmember. Example cross-sectional shapes of the elongated member caninclude, but are not limited to, a circle, oval, square, polygon, orother regular or irregular geometric shape. In one embodiment, thecross-sectional shape is a circle. Example cross-sectional sizes (e.g.,diameters or widths) of the elongated member can include, but are notlimited to, cross-sectional sizes ranging between ½ in. and 3 in., suchas cross-sectional sizes ranging between ¾ in. and 1½ in. In oneembodiment, the cross-sectional size of the elongated member isapproximately 1 in. It should be appreciated that the elongated membercan have cross-sectional sizes and shapes outside of these exemplaryranges in other embodiments.

The length of the elongated member can vary in different embodiments.The length of the elongated member should be long enough to adequatelymaintain the engaging members at the necessary width (or distance) toadequately engage the desired area of the toilet. For example, if theengaging members are to engage opposite sides of the rim of the bowl,the elongated member should be at least as long as the distance betweenthe opposite sides of the bowl. Furthermore, if two or more users are tohold the elongated member outside of the engaging members, the elongatedmember should also include sufficient length necessary for each user tohold the elongated member outside of the engaging members. In oneembodiment, the length of the elongated member can be selected to enablethe device to couple to the toilet in multiple areas and manners, aswell as enabling more than one user to hold the device. Example lengthsof the elongated member can include, but are not limited to, lengthsranging between 10 in. and 30 in., such as lengths ranging between 15in. and 21 in. It should be appreciated that the elongated member canhave lengths outside of these exemplary ranges in other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the elongated member can include one or more end capsthat prevent the engaging members from coming off the ends of theelongated member. The end caps can be made from one or more of a varietyof materials. Example materials can include, but are not limited to, oneor more metals, metal alloys, polymers, or combination thereof. Forexample, in one embodiment, the end caps can be made from a highstrength industrial plastic, such as one from the King Starboard® familyof plastics made by King Plastic Corporation. In one embodiment, the endcap can be made from rubber or other polymeric material.

As stated above, the device for moving a toilet can include engagingmembers. The device can be securely coupled to the toilet when eachengaging member is properly engaged with a desired area on the toilet ina desired manner. As stated above, each engaging members can be coupledto the elongated member and extend radially away from the elongatedmember. Each engaging members can include a contact surface that isdisposed distal to the elongated member and that is configured to engagethe toilet. The contact surface can be disposed on the engaging memberdistal to the elongated member. The distance that the contact surface isdistal to the elongated member is also referred to herein as the “distaldistance” between the contact surface and the elongated member. Thedistal distance can vary in different embodiments. Example distaldistances can include, but are not limited to, distal distances of 1½in. or greater, such distal distances of 2½ in. or greater. In oneembodiment, the distal distance is greater than ½ in. and specificallyexcludes distal distances smaller than ½ in. It should be appreciatedthat the distal distances can be outside of these exemplary ranges inother embodiments. In one embodiment, the engaging member can beadjustable to vary the distal distance of the contact surface.

The shape and size of the contact surface can vary to properly engagethe toilet in different areas and manners. In one embodiment, theengaging member can be bent to form a contact surface (e.g., a lip orplatform) with a shape to properly engage the toilet in a desired areaand manner. While a specific shape and size of the contact surface canbe well suited for engaging the toilet in a specific area and manner, itshould be appreciated that the contact surface can also be suitable toengage the toilet in other areas and manners in some instances.

The contact surface can be oriented to face in a direction towards theelongated member, as opposed to a direction away from the elongatedmember. For example, the normal vector to the contact surface can pointin a direction towards the elongated member, rather than away from theelongated member. In this way, when engaged by the contact surface ofthe engaging member, the engaged area on the toilet or adaptor isdisposed between the contact surface and the elongated member. Thecontact surface can be angled at various angles with respect to theelongated member (or with respect to the longitudinal axis of theelongated member). In one embodiment, the contact surface can beparallel or approximately parallel to the elongated member. In oneembodiment, the contact surface can be angled with respect to theelongated member (or not parallel with the elongated member) such thatthe contact surface becomes closer to the elongated member as it extendsaway from the engaging member. In another embodiment, the contactsurface can be angled such that the contact surface becomes slightlyfarther away from the elongated member as it extends away from theengaging member. In such configuration, however, the angle should belimited to angles that enable the toilet to be properly engaged in asafe and secure manner when moving the toilet.

When two engaging members are coupled to the elongated member, the terms“inward” and “outward” is used herein to refer to whether a contactsurface of an engaging member extends towards the other engaging memberor away from the other engaging member, respectively. For example, ifboth of the contact surfaces of the engaging members extend inward, thenboth contact surfaces are disposed between the two engaging members. Onthe other hand, if both of the contact surfaces of the engaging membersextend outward, then both of the contact surfaces are disposed outsideof the two engaging members. Furthermore, if a first contact surface ofone engaging member extends inward while a second contact surface of theother engaging member extends outward, then the first contact surface isdisposed between the two engaging members and the second contact surfaceis disposed outside of the two engaging members.

In some instances, a contact surface can be oriented to extend in adirection that is well suited for engaging the toilet in a desired areaand manner. For example, both contact surfaces of the engaging memberscan extend outward to engage both contact surfaces to the rim of thebowl. As another example, both contact surfaces of the engaging memberscan extend inward to engage both contact surfaces to the neck of thetoilet from around the neck, or to engage both contact surfaces to theexterior of the toilet bowl from around the toilet bowl.

An engaging member can be configured to displace longitudinally alongthe elongated member. The engaging member can include a lockingmechanism that has a locked mode and unlocked mode. When in the lockedmode (or “locked”), the locking mechanism can enable the engaging memberto be fixed (or secured) longitudinally along the elongated member. Inthis way, the engaging member is secured to a longitudinal position (orpositionally secured) along the elongated member. When in an unlockedmode (or “unlocked”), the locking mechanism can enable the engagingmember to displace longitudinally along the elongated member. Both ofthe engaging members can include a locking mechanism. In this way, bothengaging members can be displaced longitudinally along the elongatedmember to properly engage the toilet and to become locked thereafter. Inanother embodiment, only one engaging member includes a lockingmechanism and can be displaced longitudinally along the elongated memberwhen unlocked. In such case, the other engaging member can remain fixed.It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism coupled to theengaging member can be a separate element from the engaging member andcouple thereto, or can be integrated within (or as an integral part of)the engaging member.

Various types of locking mechanisms can be implemented in differentembodiments. For example, the locking mechanism can be friction basedand apply friction to the elongated member to enter the locked mode andremove friction to enter the unlocked mode. For instance, the lockingmechanism can include a screw-based or clamp-based shaft collar. Toenable the user to quickly and easily lock and unlock the engagingmember, the locking mechanism can include a quick-release shaft collar.In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can include a spring that isbiased to provide the necessary friction to lock the engaging member.For example, the locking mechanism can include one or more springs heldunder tension between two friction washers to provide the necessaryfriction to lock the engaging member. The user can, for instance, unlockthe engaging member by providing the necessary force to reorient thefriction washers (e.g., squeezing the friction washers together andfurther compressing the spring) to reduce or remove the friction.

In one embodiment, the engaging member can include a connector thatcouples the engaging member to the elongated member. The connector canremovably couple to the elongated member. In one embodiment, theconnector can be a collar that can be placed onto an end of theelongated member and displaced longitudinally along the elongatedmember. In one embodiment, end caps can be coupled to the ends of theelongated member to prevent the connector from coming off the elongatedmember. The connector (e.g., collar) can include the previouslydescribed locking mechanism that enables the connector (and the engagingmember as a whole) to displace longitudinally along the elongated memberwhen unlocked or to remain fixed longitudinally when locked. It shouldbe appreciated that the locking mechanism coupled to the connector canbe a separate element from the connector and couple thereto, or can beintegrated within (or as an integral part of) the connector.

In one embodiment, the engaging member can include an extension elementthat couples to (or secures to) the connector and which extends radiallyaway from the elongated member. In one embodiment, the extension elementcan removably couple to the connector. In one embodiment, differenttypes of extension elements can be coupled to, and removed from, theconnector as desired. The extension element can be coupled to (e.g.,locked within, screwed to, clamped to, mated with, fastened to, etc.)the connector in various manners in different embodiments. In oneembodiment, the extension element can be a shackle having one or morelegs that secure to the connector. The shackle can, for instance, beformed from a cylindrical rod that is bent in a general U-shape (orV-shape) with the contact surface formed thereon. The contact surfacecan be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited to aU-shape (or V-shape). In one embodiment, the extension element (e.g.,shackle) can insert into one or more holes (or openings) in theconnector and become locked (or secured) within the one or more holes bya locking element. The one or more holes can be through-holes so thatthe extension element can extend through the connector.

The extension element can include the previously described contactsurface that engages the toilet in the desired area and manner. Thecontact surface can be disposed on the engaging member distal to theelongated member. In one embodiment, the contact surface can be formedfrom the extension element. For example, the extension element can bebent to form the contact surface that is oriented to face in a directiontowards the elongated member, as opposed to a direction away from theelongated member. Various shaped and sized contact surfaces can beprovided for properly engaging the toilet in different areas andmanners. In this way, the user can remove and couple various extensionelements with differently shaped and sized contact surfaces depending onthe desired area and manner for engagement. In another embodiment, thecontact surface can be a component (e.g., platform) that is coupled to(e.g., screwed to, bolted to, mated with, fastened to, etc.) theextension element. In some instances, the contact surface can beremovably coupled to the extension element to enable the user to utilizedifferently shaped and sized contact surfaces.

The distal distance of the contact surface can vary in differentembodiments. The distal distance of the contact surface to the elongatedmember can depend on various factors, such as the length of theextension element, how the extension element couples to the connector(e.g., how far the extension element is inserted and locked within thecollar), and the size of the collar. In one embodiment, the device canbe configured to enable the user to adjust the distal distance. Forexample, the extension element and connector can be configured to securethe extension element within one or more holes in the connector atvarious lengths so that the distal distance can be varied. For instance,the extension element (e.g., shackle) can have one or more groovesdisposed at various points along one or more legs of the extensionelement. The one or more grooves can work in conjunction with a lockingelement of the connector (e.g., collar) to secure the extension elementto the connector at various lengths. The number of lengths at which theextension element can be coupled to the connector can vary in differentembodiments. Example number of lengths at which the extension elementcan be coupled to the connector can include, but are not limited to, twolengths or greater, such as two to ten lengths. In one embodiment, theextension element can be connected to the connector at two to fivelengths.

In one embodiment, the extension element and connector can be configuredto only couple to each other when the extension element is properlyoriented with respect to the connector, such as oriented with thecontact surface extending either inward or outward. For example, in oneembodiment, an extension element (e.g., shackle) configured to engagethe rim of the toilet bowl can be properly oriented when the contactsurface extends outward. In such case, the extension element can only becoupled to (e.g., locked within) the connector with the contact surfaceextending outward. As another example, an extension element that isconfigured to engage the neck from around the neck, or that isconfigured to engage the exterior of the bowl from around the bowl, canbe properly oriented when the contact surface extends inward. In suchcase, the extension element can only be coupled to the connector withthe contact surface extending inward. As similarly explained before,when two connectors (e.g., collars) are coupled to the elongated member,the terms “inward” and “outward” can be used herein to refer to whethera contact surface of an extension element (e.g., shackle) extendstowards the other connector or away from the other connector,respectively. For example, if both of the contact surfaces extendinward, then both contact surfaces can be disposed between the twoconnectors. If both of the contact surfaces extend outward, then both ofthe contact surfaces can be disposed outside of the two connectors.Furthermore, if a first contact surface extends inward while a secondcontact surface extends outward, then the first contact surface can bedisposed between the two connectors and the second contact surface canbe disposed outside of the two connectors. In one embodiment, theextension element can include one or more grooves that ensure that theextension element is properly oriented for coupling to the connector.For instance, the grooves may be disposed on a specific side of the legof the extension element to ensure that the contact surface extends in aspecific direction, such as inward or outward.

The length of the extension element can vary in different embodiments.The length of the extension element can vary depending on the area andmanner in which the device couples to the toilet. Example lengths of anextension element that engages the neck or rim of the toilet caninclude, but are not limited to, lengths ranging between 3 in. to 15in., such as 5 in. to 12 in. In one embodiment, the lengths range from 6in. to 9 in. It should be appreciated that the lengths of the extensionelement can be outside of these exemplary ranges in other embodiments.Example lengths of an extension element that couples to the exterior ofthe bowl can include, but are not limited to, lengths ranging between 8in. to 35 in., such as 10 in. to 25 in. In one embodiment, the lengthsrange from 12 in. to 20 in. It should be appreciated that the lengths ofthe extension element can be outside of these exemplary ranges in otherembodiments.

The engaging member, or parts thereof, can be made from one or morematerials in different embodiments. The engaging member, or partsthereof, can be made from a material that is sufficient in strength tosupport the weight of the toilet when moving the toilet. Examplematerials can include, but are not limited to, one or more metals, metalalloys, polymers, or combination thereof. For example, in oneembodiment, the collars can be made from a high strength industrialplastic, such as one from the King Starboard® family of plastics made byKing Plastic Corporation. In one embodiment, the extension elements canbe made from a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel. In oneembodiment, the extension element can have a protective layer (e.g.,rubber coating) over at least a portion of the extension element thatincludes the contact surface to prevent scratching, cracking, orchipping the toilet when engaging the toilet.

Adaptor for Coupling the Device to the Toilet

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, an adaptor can be providedthat removably couples to the neck of the toilet and enables the deviceto couple to the neck of the toilet via the adaptor. The adaptor canalso be referred to herein as the “coupling adaptor” for referencepurposes. For example, the user can utilize the coupling adaptor whencoupling the device directly to the neck is not readily available. Forexample, a toilet may not have a neck with a shape conducive to engagingthe neck from around the neck. Alternatively, if the seat has not beenremoved from the toilet, then the seat holes on the neck of the toiletare not readily available without having to first remove the toiletseat. As another example, some toilets may not have any seat holes onthe neck of the toilet. In such cases, the coupling adaptor can beutilized to couple to the neck of the toilet so that the device canproperly engage the neck of the toilet via the coupling adaptor. Thecoupling adaptor can also be utilized even when the neck is readilyavailable.

In one embodiment, the coupling adaptor can include a body having one ormore connection elements that enable the device to couple to thecoupling adaptor. For example, the body can include one or more holesthat the contact surface can insert into in order to engage with thecoupling adaptor. In such case, the body can include one or more spacingelements that provide space for the engaging member to fit between thebody of the coupling adaptor and the neck of the toilet.

The coupling adaptor can be made from one or more materials in differentembodiments. The coupling adaptor can be made from a material that issufficient in strength to support the weight of the toilet when movingthe toilet. Example materials can include, but are not limited to, oneor more metals, metal alloys, polymers, or combination thereof. Forexample, in one embodiment, the coupling adaptor can be made from a highstrength industrial plastic, such as one from the King Starboard® familyof plastics made by King Plastic Corporation. In one embodiment, thecoupling adaptor can have a protective layer (e.g., rubber coating) overat least a portion of the coupling adaptor that contacts the toilet toprevent scratching, cracking, or chipping the toilet when coupled to thetoilet.

The coupling adaptor can include a securing element that securelycouples the coupling adaptor to the toilet. A variety of securingelements can be used in different embodiments but should be sufficientin strength to support the weight of the toilet when moving the toilet.The securing elements can include, but are not limited to, one or morestraps, ropes, or other fasteners. In one embodiment, the securingelement is a strap that secures around the neck, tank, bowl, orcombination thereof. The strap can include a buckle that enables theuser to tightly fasten the securing element around the toilet.

Adaptor for Stabilizing the Toilet

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, an adaptor can be providedthat couples to the device to stabilize the toilet so that the user canlet go of the device when moving the toilet. The adaptor can also bereferred to herein as the “stabilizing adaptor” for reference purposes.Wall-mounted toilets, for instance, can mount to the wall from the backend of the toilet, as opposed to floor-mounted toilets that can mount tothe floor from the bottom of the toilet. When mounted to the wall, thewall-mounted toilets typically extend from the wall and are maintainedoff the ground (or floor). The front end of the toilet is thus suspendedin the air when mounted. The phrase “front end of the toilet” and “backend of the toilet” are not intended to be limited, but rather are usedherein for reference purposes to distinguish the two ends of a toilet,such as the wall-mounted end of the toilet from the suspended-end of thetoilet. When using the device to move such a toilet to the wall mount,the user can find it difficult to mount the toilet to the wall mountbecause one hand is holding the device to keep the toilet up and againstthe wall. The user may not be able to adequately see behind the toiletto accurately align the toilet to the wall mount; and further, may notbe able to easily secure (e.g., screw or bolt) the toilet to the mountwhile holding the device. In such cases, the user can utilize thestabilizing adaptor to prop up the front end of the toilet and stabilizethe toilet against the wall so that the user can let go of the deviceand align or secure the toilet to the wall mount.

The stabilizing adaptor can include an elongated member and a connectionunit, which couples the stabilizing adaptor to the device. In oneembodiment, the connection unit can couple to one end of the elongatedmember of the device. For example, the connection unit can include acoupling element that mates with the end cap on the elongated member ofthe device. In one embodiment, the coupling element is inserted into ahole in the end cap of the device. The connection unit can also includea connector (e.g., collar) that couples to the elongated member andenables the connection unit to displace along the elongated member. Theconnection unit can include a locking mechanism that enables theconnector to displace longitudinally along the elongated member whenunlocked or to remain fixed longitudinally when locked. The types oflocking mechanisms may vary, as similarly described above for thelocking mechanism of the device. It should be appreciated that theprevious discussion of the locking mechanism can also apply here, andnot all common features and function are repeated here for the sakeclarity and brevity. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can beimplemented within, or part of, the connector. In another embodiment,the locking mechanism can be separate from, and couple to, theconnector.

The elongated member of the stabilizing adaptor can be configured toextend to the ground to prop up the front end of the toilet when coupledto the device. Once the front end of the toilet is propped up, the useris free to let go of the device. At this point, the user can take acloser look at the wall mount and slightly adjust the toilet to exactlyalign with the wall mount, or can secure the toilet to the wall mountwith both hands. In one embodiment, the stabilizing adaptor can beconfigured to provide some force to the device to push the toilettowards the wall to maintain the back end of the toilet against the wallmount, which can assist with propping up the front end of the toilet.For example, the elongated member of the stabilizing device may beangled to help push the toilet towards the wall mount to stabilize thetoilet when propped up.

The elongated member of the stabilizing adaptor can be made from one ormore materials in different embodiments. The elongated member of thestabilizing adaptor can be made from a material that is sufficient instrength to support the weight of the toilet when the front end of thetoilet is propped up. Example materials can include, but are not limitedto, one or more metals, metal alloys, polymers, or combination thereof.In one embodiment, the elongated member of the stabilizing adaptor canbe made from stainless steel.

The shape of the elongated member of the stabilizing adaptor can vary indifferent embodiments. Example cross-sectional shapes can include, butare not limited to, a circle, oval, square, polygon, or other regular orirregular geometric shape. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shapeis a circle. Example cross-sectional sizes (e.g., diameters or widths)can include, but are not limited to, cross-sectional sizes rangingbetween ½ in. and 3 in., such as cross-sectional sizes ranging between ¾in. and 1½ in. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional size of theelongated member is approximately 1 in. in width or diameter. It shouldbe appreciated that the elongated member can have cross-sectional sizesand shapes outside of these exemplary ranges in other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing adaptor can include a base that isdisposed at one end of the elongated member and which contacts theground to provide additional stability and or grip when propping up thefront end of the toilet. The base can be shaped and sized to provide awide base for stability. The base can be made from one or more metals,metal alloys, polymers, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, thebase is made from high strength industrial plastic, such as one from theKing Starboard® family of plastics made by King Plastic Corporation. Inone embodiment, the base can be made from a material that providesenhanced grip, such as rubber or other polymeric material.

The length of the elongated member of the stabilizing adaptor can varyin different embodiments. The length of the elongated member of thestabilizing adaptor should be long enough to extend from the device tothe ground to adequately prop up the front end of the toilet. The lengthto adequately prop up the front end of the toilet can vary depending onvarious factors, such as the height that the toilet sits off the groundand the height of the toilet itself. Example lengths of the elongatedmember of the stabilizing adaptor can include, but are not limited to,lengths ranging between 10 in. to 40 in., such as lengths rangingbetween 15 in. and 30 in. In one embodiment, the length of the elongatedmember of the stabilizing adaptor is between 20 in. and 25 in. It shouldbe appreciated that the length of the elongated member can be outside ofthese exemplary ranges in other embodiments.

The elongated member of the stabilizing adaptor can include an end capcoupled into the end of the elongated member opposite the end with thebase. The end cap can function to prevent the connector of thestabilizing adaptor from coming off the elongated member of thestabilizing adaptor. In another embodiment, end caps can be coupled intoboth ends of the elongated member with one end cap functioning as thebase. Similar to the previously described end caps for the device, theend caps can be made from one or more materials. Example materials caninclude, but are not limited to, one or more metals, metal alloys,polymers, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the end cap can bemade from rubber or other polymeric material to enhance grip whencontacting the ground.

Aspects of device embodiments have been described in varying detailabove. Device embodiments will now be described in further detail interms of the example embodiments shown in the figures. To facilitateexplanation, an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be provided in certainfigures. It should be appreciated that variations from the exampleembodiments shown in the figures can be included in other embodimentswithout compromising the underlying principles of the presentdisclosure. These variations can include, for instance, the variationsdescribed above for the device, the coupling adaptor, and thestabilizing adaptor. For example, variations can include the addition orremoval of one or more features of the example embodiment.

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a device for moving a toilet,according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B depicts an exploded bottomperspective view of one end of the device shown in FIG. 1A, according toan embodiment. FIGS. 1A and 1B are described herein together. Tofacilitate explanation, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis are provided.The x-axis is used herein to refer generally to the horizontal axisextending from side to side. The y-axis is used herein to refergenerally to the vertical axis. The z-axis is used herein to refergenerally to the horizontal axis extending from back to front. In FIGS.1A and 1B, a device 100 is shown including an elongated member 101 andengaging members 102,103 coupled to the elongated member 101. Theengaging members 102,103 can include connectors 104,105 coupled toextension elements 106,107, respectively. In the embodiment shown, theconnectors 104,105 can be collars and thus may also be referred toherein as “collars 104,105” when describing the example embodiment shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B. The extension elements 106,107 can include contactsurfaces 108,109, respectively. The device 100 can also include lockingmechanisms 110,111 that can couple to the elongated member 101 and thecollars 104,105, respectively. The locking mechanisms 110,111 caninclude springs 112,113 and friction washers 114,115, respectively. Thelocking mechanisms 110,111 can also include retaining rods (not shown inFIG. 1A) that extend through bodies 120,121 of the collars 104,105,respectively. The retaining rod 116 for collar 104 is shown in FIG. 1B.The retaining rod for the collar 105 is not shown in FIG. 1A or 1B, butcan be similarly oriented in the collar 105 as the retaining rod 116 isoriented in the collar 104. The collars 104,105 can include lockingelements 118,119 that extend through the bodies 120,121 of the collars104,105 and couple to the extension elements 106,107 to secure theextension elements 106,107 to the collars 104,105, respectively. Thecollars 104,105 can also include safety elements 138,139 that can serveas a safety feature to prevent the accidental depressing of the lockingelements 118,119, respectively. The extension elements 106,107 can alsoinclude grooves 122,123 that extend latitudinally across legs 124,125 ofthe extension elements 106,107, respectively. The grooves 122 are shownfurther distinguished as grooves 122A, grooves 122B, and grooves 122C inFIG. 1B. The extension elements 106,107 shown can also include rubbercoatings (or layers) 140,141 over at least the contact surfaces 108,109,respectively, to prevent scratching, cracking, or chipping the toilet.The device 100 can also include end caps 126,127 coupled to the ends ofthe elongated member 101.

The elongated member 101 can be coupled to the engaging members 102,103,which are used to engage the toilet to enable the toilet to be movedwith the device 100. The elongated member 101 can be used as a handlefor the user to hold when moving the toilet. As shown, the device 100can include end caps 126,127 disposed in opposite ends of the elongatedmember 101. Each of the end caps 126,127 can be sized and shaped to forma protrusion (or lip) that maintains the collars 104,105 on theelongated member 101, respectively. The end caps 126,127 can be removedif the collars 104,105 need to be removed or placed on the elongatedmember 101, respectively. In one embodiment, one or both of the end caps126,127 can be used to couple to a stabilizing adaptor, such as thestabilizing adaptor described herein. For example, the end caps 126,127can have a hole that is sized and shaped to couple with a correspondingcoupling element (e.g., male counterpart) on the stabilizing adaptor.

The engaging members 102,103 can be displaceable along the elongatedmember 101 in certain instances. The engaging members 102,103 caninclude the collars 104,105 and the extension elements 106,107,respectively. The collars 104,105 can couple to the elongated member 101and also to the extension elements 106,107, respectively. The collars104,105 can displace (e.g., slide) longitudinally along the elongatedmember 101 when unlocked. The collars 104,105 can be coupled to theelongated member 101 by inserting the elongated member 101 within thecollars 104,105, respectively.

As shown, the device 100 can also include the locking mechanisms 110,111that couple to the respective collars 104,105 and the elongated member101. When in the locked mode, the locking mechanisms 110,111 can enablethe respective collars 104,105 to be fixed longitudinally along theelongated member 101. When in an unlocked mode, the locking mechanisms110,111 enable the respective collars 104,105 to displace longitudinallyalong the elongated member 101. The locking mechanisms 110,111 coupledto the collars 104,105 can be separate components from the collars104,105 and couple thereto (such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), oralternatively in another embodiment, can be integrated within thecollars 104,105, respectively. The locking mechanisms 110,111 shown caninclude the springs 112,113, the friction washers 114,115, the retainingrods 116,117, and nuts 144,145 that secure to the retaining rods116,117, respectively. For the sake of clarity and brevity, only theconfiguration of the locking mechanism 110 including the springs 112,the friction washers 114, and the retaining rod 116 with respect tocollar 104 is described here. It should be appreciated that thedescription can also apply to the configuration of the locking mechanism111 including the springs 113, the friction washers 115, and theretaining rod (not shown) with respect to collar 105.

For the locking mechanism 110, the springs 112 can be disposed on theelongated member 101 with one spring disposed on each side of the collar104, between the collar 104 and the friction washers 114. The diametersof the springs 112 can be sized to slide along the elongated member 101.The friction washers 114 can include two friction washers—one frictionwasher disposed on the outside of each of the springs 112. The diametersof each of the friction washers 114 can be sized slightly larger thanthe elongated member 101 such that the friction washers 114 can slideover and along the elongated member 101. The retaining rod 116 canextend through the collar 104 and can be coupled to (e.g., screwed to,bolted to, or otherwise fastened to) each of the friction washers 114.In this way, the friction washers 114, the springs 112, and the collar104 can be held together by the retaining rod 116. The retaining rod 116can be coupled to each of the friction washers 114 such that the springs112 are under a compressive force. The springs 112 can provide force (orpressure) against the friction washers 114 to orient the frictionwashers 114 at an angled orientation (e.g., a general V-shape) thatpresses the friction washers 114 against the elongated member 101. Thefriction washers 114 can be forced against the elongated member 101 togenerate the necessary friction to prevent the collar 104 fromdisplacing longitudinally along the elongated member 101. This can biasthe locking mechanism 110 in the locked mode. To put the lockingmechanism 110 in the unlocked mode, the user can press the frictionwashers 114 towards one another, which further compresses the springs114. When the frictions washers 114 are pressed towards one another, thefriction washers 114 can be oriented such that the areas of the holes inthe friction washer 114 are sufficiently increased to reduce the appliedfriction and enable the elongated member 101 to slide within the holesof the friction washers 114. At this time, the collar 104 can displacelongitudinally along the elongated member 101. When the user stopspressing the friction washers 114 towards one another, the lockingmechanism 110 can again enter the locked mode.

As shown, the extension elements 106,107 can removably couple to therespective collars 104,105 and can extend radially away from theelongated member 101. The extension elements 106,107 can be insertedinto the collars 104,105 and can become securely coupled to the collars104,105 when properly inserted, respectively. The extension elements106,107 can include the respective contact surfaces 108,109 that areused to engage the toilet directly or via the coupling adaptor. Thecontact surfaces 108,109 are disposed on the respective extensionelements 106,107 such that they are distal to the elongated member 101.The contact surfaces 108,109 can be oriented to face in a directiontowards the elongated member 101, as opposed to a direction away fromthe elongated member 101. In the embodiment shown, the contact surfaces108,109 can be approximately parallel to the elongated member 101, withthe contact surfaces 108,109 extending inward and becoming slightlycloser to the elongated member 101 as they extend inward.

The extension elements 106,107 shown can be shackles. In one embodiment,the shackles can be bent at approximately 90 degrees to form platformsthat functions as the respective contact surfaces 108,109, which areapproximately parallel to the elongated member 101. Each of theextension elements 106,107 can be bent according to the area and mannerin which the respective extension elements 106,107, and further, can bebent in a size and shape to be well suited to engage the toilet in thedesired area and manner. For example, the extension elements 106,107 canbe bent to have a size and shape well suited to securely engage with theneck of the bowl from around the neck of the bowl. The extensionelements 106,107 can have the respective rubber coatings 140,141disposed over the respective contact surfaces 108,109 and partially upthe respective legs 124,125 to prevent scratching, cracking, or chippingthe toilet when engaging the toilet.

The extension elements 106,107 can include the grooves 122,123 thatextend latitudinally across the legs 124,125 of the extension elements106,107, respectively. The grooves 122,123 can have a curved shape thatmatches the arc of the locking element 118. The grooves 122,123 can beconfigured to work in conjunction with the locking elements 118,119 tosecure the extension elements 106,107 to the collars 104,105 when thelocking elements 118,119 are in a locked mode (or open position),respectively. The grooves 122,123 can also be configured to work inconjunction with the locking elements 118,119 to become unsecured whenthe locking elements 118,119 are in an unlocked mode (or closedposition), respectively. Further details regarding an extension elementbecoming secured and unsecured (or locked and unlocked) by the lockingelement are provided below when further describing the locking element.

The grooves 122,123 can be disposed at specific areas on the extensionelements 106,107 to enable the grooves 122,123 to only secure to thecollars 104,105 when properly oriented, respectively. In the embodimentshown, the grooves 122 can be disposed on the same side of the legs 124than the side in which the contact surface 108 extends. Since thelocking element 118 can be disposed to one side of the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 of the collar 104, the extension element 106 canonly secure to the collar 104 with the contact surface 108 extendinginward. However, the grooves 123 can be disposed on the opposite side ofthe legs 125 than the side in which the contact surface 109 extends.Since the locking element 119 can be disposed to one side of theextension through-holes (not shown with reference numbers in FIGS. 1Aand 1B) of the collar 105, the extension element 107 can only securewithin the extension through-holes of the collar 105 with the contactsurface 109 extending inward. This feature can ensure that the extensionelements 106,107 are properly inserted and locked in the properorientation.

FIG. 2A depicts a front view of the collar 104 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the collar104 shown in FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2C depicts abottom view of the collar 104 shown in FIG. 2A, according to anembodiment. The description of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are providedtogether herein along with the continuing descriptions of FIGS. 1A and1B. It should be appreciated that the description of the collar 104 inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C can similarly apply to the collar 105 shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B. For the sake of clarity and brevity, the commonfeatures and functions for the collar 105 are not repeated here.

As shown, the collar 104 can include the body 120 having fivethrough-holes 128,129,130,131,132 and one hole 142. For the referencepurposes, the through-holes 128,129,130,131,132 and the hole 142 can beshown as dotted lines in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C when not visible in thecorresponding figure. The through-hole 128 (also referred to herein asthe “main through-hole 128” for reference purposes) can be configured toreceive the elongated member 101 and extend along the reference x-axis.The main through-hole 128 can be disposed generally in the middle of themain body 120. The main through-hole 128 can enable the collar 104 to beplaced on an end of the elongated member 101 and to displacelongitudinally along the elongated member 101. The through-holes 129,130(also referred to herein as “extension through-holes 129,130” forreference purposes) can be configured to receive each leg of anextension element, such as each of the legs 124 of the extension element106. The extension through-holes 129,130 can extend along the referencey-axis, with each of the through-holes 129,130 disposed on oppositesides of the main through-hole 128. The through-hole 131 (also referredto herein as “locking through-hole 131” for reference purposes) can beconfigured to receive the locking element 118 and enable the lockingelement 118 to displace longitudinally therein. The locking through-hole131 can extend along the reference z-axis under the main through-hole128. The locking through-hole 131 can be disposed in the body 120 suchthat it intersects a portion of each of the extension through-holes129,130. The through-hole 132 (also referred to herein as “retainingthrough-hole 132” for reference purposes) can be configured to receivethe retaining rod 116 that can couple the two friction washers 114. Theretaining through-hole 132 can extend along the reference x-axis underthe main through-hole 128. The hole 142 (also referred to herein as the“safety hole 142” for reference purposes) can be disposed adjacent tothe locking through-hole 131. The safety element 138 can be disposed inthe hole 142 and can protrude from the body 120 of the collar 104.

The locking element 118 can be configured to enter the locked mode andthe unlocked mode. When in the locked mode, the locking element 118 canwork in conjunction with the grooves 122 of the extension element 106(or with one of the grooves disposed on another extension elementdescribed herein) to secure the extension element 106 to the collar 104so that the extension element 106 can be prevented from displacinglongitudinally within the extension through-holes 129,130 of the collar104. When in the unlocked mode, the locking element 118 can enable theextension element 106 to become unsecured such that the extensionelement 106 can displace longitudinally within the extensionthrough-holes 129,130. The phrase “displacing longitudinally within theextension through-hole” or “displace longitudinally within the extensionthrough-hole” is used herein to refer to displacing the extensionelement in either direction along the longitudinal axis of the extensionthrough-hole, wherein the longitudinal axis extends from end to end ofthe extension through-hole. In one embodiment, an extension element canrotate when secured to the collar and can be prevented from displacinglongitudinally within the collar. For example, an extension element canhave a single leg with the grooves extending completely around the legto enable the extension element to rotate about the axis of the leg. Inanother embodiment, the extension element can have a single leg with thegrooves extending partially around the leg to enable the extensionelement to rotate partially about the axis of the leg.

The locking element 118 can be configured as a lever that slides betweenthe locked mode and the unlocked mode (or a sliding locking lever). Thelocking element 118 can extend through the body 120 of the collar 104.The locking element 118 can be spring-loaded by a spring 133 (or alocking lever spring) to protrude out of the body 120 and can bias thelocking element in the locked mode. The locking element 118 can beconfigured to enter the unlocked mode while the user depresses theprotruded portion of the locking element 118 into the body 120 of thecollar 104. At this time, the user can insert the extension element 106(or another extension element described herein) within the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 or displace the extension element longitudinallywithin the extension through-holes 129,130. The locking element 118 canbe configured to enter the locked mode when the user releases thelocking element 118 and the grooves of the extension element 106properly align with the locking element 118. To remove the extensionelement 106 from the collar 104, the user can depress the lockingelement 118 and pull the extension element 106 out of the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 of the collar 104. The collar 104 can include thesafety element 138 that can protrude from the body 120 of the collar104. The safety element 138 can be configured to not depress, but ratherremain rigid or fixed. Since the safety element 138 can be adjacent tothe protruded portion of the locking element 118 and not configured todepress, the safety element 138 can serve as a safety feature to preventthe user from accidentally depressing the locking element 118.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the spring 133 can be disposed within a notch 134(or grooved slot) in the locking element 118. The retaining through-hole132 can intersect the locking through-hole 131 such that the retainingrod 116 can be disposed within the notch 134 when inserted into theretaining through-hole 132. The spring 133 can be maintained under acompressive load between the retaining rod 116 and the end of the notch134. In this way, the force from the spring 133 can bias the lockingelement 118 in the locked mode with the locking element 118 protrudingout of the body 120 of the collar 104.

The locking element 118 can be disposed in the locking through-hole 131and can intersect a portion of the extension through-holes 129,130. Thelocking element 118 can be configured to obstruct a portion of theextension through-holes 129,130 when in the locked mode. As a result,the extension element 106 can be prevented from being completelyinserted into the extension through-holes 129,130 when in the lockedmode. Furthermore, the locking element 118 can include grooves 135 thatthat can enable the locking element 118 to not obstruct the extensionthrough-holes 129,130. The grooves 135 can extend latitudinally acrossthe locking element 118. The grooves 135 can have a curved shaped andsize that matches the arc of the extension through-holes 129,130. Whenthe user depresses the locking element 118 to activate the unlockedmode, the grooves 135 can become aligned with the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 so that the extension through-holes 129,130 can nolonger be obstructed by the locking element 118. In this way, theextension element 106 can be inserted into the extension through-holes129,130 or can be displaced longitudinally within the extensionthrough-holes 129,130. Once the extension element 106 is inserted intothe extension through-holes 129,130, the locking element 118 can remainin the unlocked mode as long as the user is depressing the lockingelement 118. If the user releases the locking element 118, the lockingelement 118 can remain in the unlocked mode as long as the lockingelement 118 abuts an un-grooved portion of the extension element 106. Ifthe extension element 106 can be displaced longitudinally within theextension through-holes 129,130 so that the grooves on the extensionelement become adjacent to the locking element 119, then the force fromthe compressed spring 133 can push the locking element 118 back into thelocked mode. At this point, the locking element 118 can be disposedwithin the grooves 122 of the extension element 106, which can securethe extension element 106 to the collar 104 (or also referred to hereinas “secured within the extension through-holes 129,130”). In order toavoid the locking element 118 from being automatically pushed back tothe locked mode when adjacent to one or more undesired grooves on theextension element, the user can continue to depress the locking element118 until the undesired grooves are passed.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a device for moving atoilet can be configured with various extension elements. For example,in one embodiment, the device 100 can be configured with extensionelements other than the extension elements 106,107 shown in FIGS. 1A and1B. Extension elements having different characteristics can providedifferent features or functions to the device. For example, thecharacteristics of the extension element, such as the size and shape ofthe extension element, can enable the extension element to be wellsuited to stably engage the toilet in various areas and manners. Forexample, depending on the shape and size of the extension element, theextension element can be well suited to stably engage the rim of thebowl, the exterior of the bowl from around the bowl, the neck of thetoilet from around the neck, the neck of the toilet through a seat hole,or the neck of the toilet via a coupling adaptor coupled to the neck ofthe toilet. In one embodiment, the device can include two differenttypes of extension elements that engage the toilet in different areasand manners. For example, one extension element can engage the rim ofthe toilet while the other extension element engages the neck of thetoilet, either directly or via the coupling adaptor.

In one embodiment, the extension elements can be removably coupled tothe device. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, theextension elements 106,107 can be removably coupled from the respectivecollars 104,105 of the device 100. Once removed, other types ofextension elements having different characteristics can be attached orremoved as needed to engage the toilet in a combination of differentdesired areas and manners. The following paragraphs describe variousextension elements having characteristics (e.g., shape and size) thatcan be well suited for stably engaging the toilet in different areas andmanners. These example characteristics are provided for illustrativepurposes and it should be appreciated that other variations can beprovided in other embodiments without compromising the underlyingprinciples of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated thatwhile a specific extension element can have characteristics that arewell suited for engaging the toilet in a specific area and manner, thegiven extension element can also, in some instance, be used to engagethe toilet in another area or manner. It should also be appreciated thatthe previous description for extension elements can also apply here,such as how the extension element can couple to the device. For the sakeof clarity and brevity, not all of the common features and functions areagain repeated here. It should also be appreciated that the extensionelements described herein, such as shown in FIGS. 3-5, are exampleembodiments and that other variations are possible in other embodiments.

In certain aspects, an extension element can be provided that hascharacteristics that can be well suited for stably engaging the neck ofthe toilet bowl from around the neck. In one embodiment, an examplecharacteristic that can be well suited to stably engage the neck of thetoilet from around the neck can include, but is not limited to, atapered contact surface that can be positioned around a seat boltprotruding from the underside of the neck of the toilet. FIG. 3 depictsa perspective view of the extension element 106 shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the extensionelement 106 can be bent to form the contact surface 108 that engages theneck of the toilet from around the neck. The contact surface 108 caninclude sides 136,137 and can be disposed distal to the elongated member101 when coupled to the collar 104 of the device 100. The contactsurface 108 can have a length L1 that can enable the contact surface 108to extend under the neck of the toilet from around the neck of thetoilet. In the embodiment shown, a width W1 of the contact surface 108can taper (or narrow) as it gets further from the legs 124. Whenengaging the neck of the toilet, the narrowing width W1 of the contactsurface 108 can enable the contact surface 108 to securely fit around aseat bolt protruding from the underside of the neck of the toilet.Having a secure fit around the seat bolt can provide additionalstability.

The legs 124 of the extension element 106 can include the grooves 122disposed on the same side of the legs 124 from which the contact surface108 extends. The grooves 122 are shown further distinguished in FIG. 3as the grooves 122A, the grooves 122B, and the grooves 122C. The grooves122 can be aligned with the locking element 118 to enable the extensionelement 106 to become secured to the collar 104 to prevent the extensionelement 106 from displacing longitudinally in the extensionthrough-holes 129,130. The grooves 122A,122B,122C can be disposed on thelegs 124 at various heights (or distances along the leg) to enable theextension element 106 to secure to the collar 104 at differentpositions, with each position corresponding to the contact surface 108being maintained at a different distal distance to the elongated member101. In this way, the user can adjust the distal distance that thecontact surface 108 is from the elongated member 101. Furthermore, thegrooves 122 can be disposed on the same side of the legs 124 than theside in which the contact surface 108 extends from. In this way, theextension element 106 will only secure within the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 of the collar 104 with the contact surface 108extending inward. The extension element 106 can be the same as theextension element 107, except the grooves 122 on the legs 124 of theextension element 106 can be on opposite sides than the grooves 123 onthe legs 125 on the extension element 107. This features can serve toensure that the extension elements 106,107 are inserted in the properorientation, such as with both of the contact surfaces 108,109 extendinginward to engage the neck of the toilet from around the neck forinstance.

In one embodiment, the extension element 106 can be configured to engagethe exterior of the toilet bowl from around the toilet bowl. Theextension element 106 can be the same or similar to the extensionelement 106 that engages the neck of the toilet from around the neck,except that the legs 124 of the extension element 106 can be longer toreach the exterior of the toilet bowl. Example lengths of the extensionelement 106 that couples to the exterior of the bowl can include, butare not limited to, lengths ranging between 8 in. to 35 in., such as 10in. to 25 in. In one embodiment, the lengths range from 12 in. to 20 in.It should be appreciated that the lengths of the extension element canbe outside of these exemplary ranges in other embodiments. In oneembodiment, the extension element 106 for engaging the exterior of thetoilet bowl from around the toilet bowl can have a larger contactsurface 108 than the extension element 106 engages the neck of thetoilet from around the neck.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, an extension element canbe provided that has characteristics that can be well suited for stablyengaging the rim of a toilet bowl. In one embodiment, examplecharacteristics that can be well suited to stably engage the rim of thetoilet bowl can include, but are not limited to, a contact surface thatbroadens in width to provide a wider base to engage the rim of thetoilet, and a contact surface having a length that is generally theapproximate width of the rim of the toilet. FIG. 4 depicts a perspectiveview of an extension element, according to an embodiment. As shown, anextension element 406 can be a shackle having a contact surface 408 andtwo legs 424. The extension element 406 can be bent at approximately90-degrees to form the contact surface 408 that engages the toilet. Theextension element 406 can be configured to removably couple to thecollar 104 of the device 100. The extension element 406 can extendradially away from the elongated member 101 when coupled to the device100. For example, the extension element 406 can be inserted into theextension through-holes 129,130 of the collar 104 and can become securedto the collar 104 when properly oriented.

The contact surface 408 can include sides 436,437,438 and can bedisposed distal to the elongated member 101 when coupled to theelongated member 101. The contact surface 408 can be oriented to face ina direction towards the elongated member 101, as opposed to a directionaway from the elongated member 101. In the embodiment shown, the contactsurface 408 can be approximately parallel to the elongated member 101.The extension element 406 can have a rubber coating 440 over at leastthe contact surface 408 to prevent scratching, cracking, or chipping thetoilet when engaging the toilet. As shown, the width of the contactsurface 408 can become wider the further away the contact surface 408extends from the legs 424. In this way, the contact surface 408 canbroaden to provide a wider base to engage the rim of the toilet. Forexample, the side 438 can provide the widest width, W2, of the contactsurface 408 and can broaden the base greater than the width W3 at thetwo legs 424. Having a wider base to engage the rim of the toilet canprovide additional stability. Furthermore, the length L2 that thecontact surface 408 extends away from the legs 424 can generally be theapproximate width of the rim of the toilet. In this way, when thecontact surface 408 is engaged with the rim of the toilet, the legs 424can be maintained close to the edge of the rim of the toilet. This canalso contribute to extra stability.

The extension element 406 can include grooves 422 that extendlatitudinally across the legs 424 of the extension element 406. Thegrooves 422 can be disposed on the opposite side of the legs 424 fromwhich the contact surface 408 extends. The grooves 422 are shown furtherdistinguished in FIG. 4 as grooves 422A, grooves 422B, and grooves 422C.The grooves 422 can have a curved shape that matches the arc of thelocking element 118 that intersects the extension through-holes 129,130.The grooves 422 can be configured to work in conjunction with thelocking elements 118 to secure the extension element 406 to the collar104 when the locking element 118 is in the locked mode. The grooves 422can be aligned with the locking element 118 to enable the extensionelement 406 to secure to the collar 104 to prevent the extension element406 from displacing longitudinally within the extension through-holes129,130. The grooves 422A,422B,422C are disposed on the legs 424 atvarious heights to enable the extension element 406 to secure in theextension through-holes 129,130 at different positions, with eachposition corresponding to the contact surface 408 being maintained at adifferent distal distance to the elongated member 101. In this way, theuser can adjust the distal distance that the contact surface 408 is fromthe elongated member 101. Furthermore, the grooves 422 can be disposedon the opposite side of the legs 424 than the side in which the contactsurface 408 extends from. In this way, the extension element 406 canonly secure to the collar 104 with the contact surface 408 extendingoutward. The extension element that can be coupled to collar 105 can bethe same as the extension element 406, except with the grooves on samesides of the legs than shown for the extension element 406. This featurecan serve to ensure that the extension elements are inserted in theproper orientation, such as with both of the contact surfaces extendingoutward to engage the rim of the toilet for instance.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, an extension element canbe provided that has characteristics that can be well suited for stablyengaging the neck of the toilet through a seat hole in the neck. In oneembodiment, an example characteristic that can be well suited to stablyengage the neck of the toilet through the seat hole can include, but isnot limited to, a contact surface having a narrow width to enableinsertion of the contact surface into the seat hole in the neck of thetoilet. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an extension element,according to an embodiment. As shown, an extension element 506 caninclude a contact surface 508 and a leg 524. The extension element 506can be a generally L-shaped shackle that is bent at approximately90-degrees to form the contact surface 508 that engages the toilet. Theextension element 506 can be configured to removably couple to thecollar 104 of the device 100. The extension element 506 can extendradially away from the elongated member 101 when coupled to the device100. The extension element 506 can be inserted into either of theextension through-holes 129,130 of the collar 104 to become secured tothe collar 104. For sake of clarity and brevity, the description herewill refer to the extension through-hole 129 as the extensionthrough-hole selected to receive the leg 524.

The contact surface 508 can be disposed distal to the elongated member101 when coupled to the elongated member 101. The contact surface 508can be oriented to face in a direction towards the elongated member 101,as opposed to a direction away from the elongated member 101. In theembodiment shown, the contact surface 508 can be approximately parallelto the elongated member 101 when coupled. The extension element 506 canhave a rubber coating 540 over at least the contact surface 508 toprevent scratching, cracking, or chipping the toilet when engaging thetoilet. The contact surface 508 can have a width W4 that enablesinsertion of the contact surface 508 into the seat hole in the neck ofthe toilet. The contact surface 508 can have a length L3 that issufficient in length to stably engage the neck, but which does notprevent insertion of the contact surface 508 through the seat hole. Thelength L3 of the contact surface 508 and the bend in the extensionelement 506 can provide stability and help to prevent the extensionelement 506 from being removed accidently from the seat hole.

As shown, the extension element 506 can include grooves 522 that extendlatitudinally across, and completely around, the leg 524 of theextension element 506. The grooves 522 are shown further distinguishedin FIG. 5 as grooves 522A and grooves 522B. The grooves 522 can have acurved shape that matches the arc of the locking element 118 thatintersects the extension through-holes 129,130. The grooves 522 can beconfigured to work in conjunction with the locking elements 118 tosecure the legs 524 of the extension element 506 to the collar 104 whenthe locking element 118 is in the locked mode. The grooves 522 can alignwith the locking element 118 to enable the extension element 506 tosecure to the collar 104 to prevent the extension element 506 fromdisplacing longitudinally in the extension through-hole 129. The grooves522A,522B can be disposed on the leg 524 at various heights to enablethe extension element 506 to secure in the extension through-hole 129 atdifferent positions, with each position corresponding to the contactsurface 508 being maintained at a different distal distances to theelongated member 101. In this way, the user can adjust the distaldistance that the contact surface 508 is from the elongated member 101.Because the grooves 522 can extend completely around the leg, theextension element 508 can become secured to the collar 104 when insertedinto the extension through-hole 129 with any rotational orientation ofthe contact surface 508. Furthermore, the extension element 508 canrotate (or spin) when locked longitudinally within the extensionthrough-hole 129. The ability of the extension element 508 to rotatewhen locked can enable the user to rotate the contact surface 508 toextend in any direction (e.g., inward, outward, or other direction)under the neck of the toilet once engaged. For example, the user canrotate the contact surface 508 to extend in a direction that providesextra stability. The extension element that can be coupled to the collar105 can be the same as the extension element 506.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a coupling adaptor can beprovided that can enable a device for moving a toilet to couple to theneck of the toilet via the coupling adaptor. For example, the couplingadaptor can be coupled to the neck of the toilet, and thereafter, thedevice can be coupled to holes in the coupling adaptor. The couplingadaptor can be useful in various instances, such as when the seat of thetoilet has not been removed to expose the seat holes on the neck of thetoilet, when a toilet does not have seat holes on the neck of thetoilet, etc. In one embodiment, the device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1Bcan be configured with removable extension elements. In this way, thedevice 100 can be coupled to extension elements that work in conjunctionwith the coupling adaptor 600. FIG. 6A depicts a front perspective viewof a coupling adaptor, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B depicts abottom view of the coupling adaptor shown in FIG. 6A, according to anembodiment. The description of FIGS. 6A and 6B are provided hereintogether. As shown, a coupling adaptor 600 can include a body 601,spacing elements 602 coupled to the body 601, and a securing element 603coupled to the body 601. The body 601 can include holes (or openings)604,605,606. The spacing elements 602 can be coupled to the body 601 ofthe coupling adaptor 600 and can extend away from the body 601. The ends607 of the spacing elements 602 can be disposed on the neck of thetoilet when coupled to the toilet. When the ends 607 are disposed on theneck of the toilet, the spacing elements 602 can provide a space (orgap) between the neck of the toilet and the body 601. The body 601 caninclude holes 604,605 that can serve as connection elements for theextension element 506 to couple to. The holes 604,605 can vary in size,but should be sufficient in size to receive the extension element 506and enable the contact surface 508 to be oriented under the body 601.

The securing element 603 shown can be a strap (e.g., rope or otherfastener) that can secure the coupling adaptor 600 to the toilet. Thesecuring element 603 can couple to the holes 606 of the body 601 of thecoupling adaptor 600. The securing element 603 can be securely fastenedaround one or more areas of the toilet (e.g., around the bowl, tank,neck, or combination thereof). In one embodiment, the securing element603 can be configured in two loops—one loop to fasten around the tank ofthe toilet, and another loop to fasten around the lower exterior of thetoilet bowl. The securing element 603 can include a buckle 608 thatenables the user to fasten the securing element 603 to the toilet. Inanother embodiment, the securing element 603 can securely fastenedaround the neck of the toilet. In yet another embodiment, the securingelement 603 can be securely fastened around the neck as well as otherareas of the toilet, such as the tank, lower exterior of the bowl, orboth.

In one example configuration, two of the extension elements 506 shown inFIG. 5 can be coupled to the device (e.g., the device 100 shown in FIGS.1A and 1B) with one extension element coupled to one of the extensionthrough-holes of the collar 104 and the other extension element coupledto one of the extension through-holes of the collar 105. The extensionthrough-holes on the same side of the collars 104,105 can be used toprovide extra stability. The collars 104,105 can then be displaced alongthe elongated member 101 in order to align the two extension elements506 with the holes 604. The bent ends of the two extension elements 506can then be inserted into the holes 604 until the contact surfaces 508are completely inserted through the holes 604. Once the contact surfaces508 are inserted through the holes 604, the device can be rotated aboutthe axis of the coupling adaptor 600 until the contact surfaces 508 areparallel with the body 601 of the coupling adaptor 600. In this way, thecontact surfaces 508 on the extension elements 506 can engage theunderside of the body 601. The user can then rotate the contact surfaces508 to extend in directions that provide extra stability, such as inopposite directions from one another.

In another example configuration, two of the extension elements 506 canbe coupled to the device, with both coupled to the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 of one collar, such as the collar 104. The holes605 of the coupling adaptor 600 can be spaced at a distance that alignswith the extension through-holes 129,130. The collar 104 can bedisplaced along the elongated member 101 as needed to orient the collar104 near the holes 605. The contact surfaces 508 of the two extensionelements 506 can then be inserted into the holes 605 until the contactsurfaces 508 are completely inserted through the holes 605. Once thecontact surfaces 508 are inserted through the holes 605, the device canbe rotated about the axis of the coupling adaptor 600 until the contactsurfaces 508 are parallel with the body 601 of the coupling adaptor 600.In this way, the contact surfaces 508 on the extension elements 506 canstably engage the body 601. The user can then rotate the contactsurfaces 508 to extend in directions that provide extra stability, suchas in opposite directions from one another. The user can couple adifferent extension element to the other collar 105, such as theextension element 406 for instance. In this way, the collar 105 can bedisplaced to stably engage the contact surface 408 of the extensionelement 406 to the rim of the toilet. The user can then use the deviceto move the toilet. In yet another configuration, the device can becoupled to the coupling adaptor 600 in a similar manner as describedexcept that only one extension element 506 is coupled to only one of theextension through-holes 129,130 of the collar 104 and inserted throughonly one of the holes 605. It should be appreciated that the couplingadaptor 600 can include variations in the placement of the holes 604,605and may include more or less holes in other embodiments.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, an adaptor can be providedthat can couple to a device for moving a toilet (e.g., the device 100shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) to provide stability to the toilet. Theadaptor can be useful in various instances, such as when mounting atoilet to a wall mount. For example, some toilets can be configured tosit off the ground and mount to the wall, as opposed to the floor. Whenusing the device to mount the toilet to the wall mount, the user canfind it difficult to hold the toilet up with one hand and connect thetoilet to the wall mount with the free hand. For instance, the user maynot be able to adequately see behind the toilet to properly align thetoilet to the wall mount, or to easily screw the toilet to the wallmount while holding the toilet against the wall mount. FIG. 7 depicts afront perspective view of a stabilizing adaptor, according to anembodiment. The common components (e.g., elongated member, collars, andcomponents thereof) may be referred to using the same reference numbersas previously identified in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown, a stabilizingadaptor 700 can include an elongated member 701 and connection unit 702.The connection unit 702 can be coupled to the elongated member 701 andcan removably couple to a device for moving a toilet, such as the device100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The connection unit 702 can include acollar 703, a coupling element 704 coupled to the collar 703, and alocking mechanism 705 coupled to the collar 703. The collar 703 caninclude a through-hole (not shown) that receives the elongated member701. The collar 703 can include a hole (not shown), inside of which thecoupling element 704 is disposed. The collar 703 can include athrough-hole (not shown) that receives a retaining rod 708 that cancouple the locking mechanism 705 to the collar 703.

The coupling element 704 can be configured to removably couple to thedevice for moving a toilet. In FIG. 7, the stabilizing device 700 is notshown coupled to the device for moving a toilet; however, FIG. 14depicts the stabilizing device 700 coupled to an example device formoving a toilet and the corresponding description for FIG. 14 providesadditional details. In one embodiment, the coupling element 704 can besized and shaped to insert within either of the holes in the end caps126,127 of the elongated member 101 of the device 100. The couplingelement 704 can extend from the collar 703 in a direction generallyperpendicular to the elongated member 701. The coupling element 704shown can include two approximate 90-degree bends, which lowers a heightof a coupling end 709 of the coupling element 704 with respect to aheight of the collar 703. In this way, when the coupling end 709 iscoupled to the device 100, the weight of the toilet can be applied tothe stabilizing adaptor 700 in a more stable manner with a loweredcenter of gravity. Furthermore, the weight of the toilet can pull thetop end of the stabilizing adaptor 700 towards the toilet, which canconsequently apply a force that pushes the toilet towards the wall mountto stabilize the toilet propped up in the air against the wall mount.The elongated member 701 can also be tilted by the user to furtherstabilize the toilet against the wall mount.

The collar 703 and the locking mechanism 705 can be disposed on theelongated member 701. When in a locked mode, the locking mechanism 705can enable the collar 703 (and the connection unit 702 as a whole) toremain fixed longitudinally along the elongated member 701. When in anunlocked mode, the locking mechanism 705 can enable the collar 703 (andthe connection unit 702 as a whole) to displace longitudinally along theelongated member 701. The locking mechanism 705 can include a frictionwasher 706, a spring 707, the retaining rod 708, and a nut 712. Thefriction washer 706 and the spring 707 can be disposed on the elongatedmember 701. The spring 707 can be disposed between the friction washer707 and the collar 703. The retaining rod 708 can be coupled to thefriction washer 707 and the collar 703 such that the spring 707 can beunder a compressive load. The spring 707 can provide force against thefriction washer 706 to orient the friction washer 706 at an angledorientation that presses the friction washer 706 against the elongatedmember 701. The friction washer 706 can be forced against the elongatedmember 701 to generate the necessary friction to prevent the collar 703(and the connection unit 702 as a whole) from displacing longitudinallyalong the elongated member 701. In this way, the locking mechanism 705can be biased in the locked mode. To put the locking mechanism 705 inthe unlocked mode, the user can press the friction washer 706 towardsthe collar 703, which further compresses the spring 707. When thefriction washer 706 is pressed towards the collar 703, the frictionwasher 706 can be oriented such that the area of the hole in thefriction washer 706 is sufficiently increased to reduce the appliedfriction and enable the elongated member 701 to slide within the holesof the friction washer 706. At this time, the collar 703 can displacelongitudinally along the elongated member 701. When the user stopspressing the friction washer 706 towards the collar 703, the lockingmechanism 705 can again enter the locked mode.

The elongated member 701 shown can include an end cap 710 coupled to oneend of the elongated member 701. The end cap 710 can be sized and shapedto form a protrusion that maintains the connection unit 702 on theelongated member 701. The end cap 710 can be removed if the connectionunit 701 needs to be removed or placed onto the elongated member 701.The elongated member 701 shown can include a base 711 coupled to theother end of the elongated member 701, which contacts the ground. Thebase 711 shown can extend perpendicular to the elongated member toprovide a wider base for stability. The base 711 can be made from avariety of materials, such as rubber, plastic, or other polymericmaterial. In one embodiment, the base 711 can be made from rubber toprovide added grip to stabilize the stabilizing adaptor 700.

Methods of Practicing the Devices

As stated above, a device for moving a toilet can be coupled to atoilet, either directly or via an adaptor, in order to move the toilet.The complete toilet can be moved with the device, or parts of the toiletcan be moved with the device, such as the toilet without the tank, seat,or both. The toilet can be, for example, a new toilet that needs to bemoved for transport, storage, or installation. The toilet can also be,for example, a used toilet that needs to be moved, repaired, replaced,etc. In such case, the toilet can be disconnected from the mount at theappropriate time. In some instance, the device can be coupled to thetoilet before disconnecting the toilet from the mount to assist the userwith disconnecting the toilet. In other instances, the toilet can bedisconnected from the mount first and the device coupled thereafter. Forthe sake of clarity and brevity, the specifics of disconnecting andconnecting the toilet from a toilet mount are not provided herein. Thefollowing described example methods can be applicable to moving acomplete or incomplete toilet with the device. It should be appreciatedthat the methods are illustrative and that variations are possiblewithout compromising the underlying principles of the presentdisclosure.

In general, a user determines the desired area and manner of engagingthe toilet with the device for moving a toilet, such as the device 100shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the user can determine to couplethe device 100 to the toilet by engaging the desired engaging members102,103 to the neck of the toilet from around the neck; the neck of thetoilet through the seat holes in the neck; the neck of the toilet viathe coupling adaptor coupled to the neck; the rim of the toilet bowl;the lower exterior of the toilet bowl from around the toilet bowl; or acombination thereof, such as the rim of the toilet bowl and the neck ofthe toilet either through the seat holes or via the coupling adaptor. Itshould be appreciated that the engaging members 102,103 are not limitedto include the extension elements 106,107 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Forinstance, the engaging members 102,103 can include any combination ofthe extension elements 106,306,406,506 coupled to the collars 104,105 invarious embodiments. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that part, orall, of the engaging members 102,103 can be removed and replaced withthe desired engaging members (or parts thereof) in various embodiments.For instance, in one embodiment, the desired extension elements can beremovably coupled to the collars 104,105. In another embodiment, theentire engaging members 102,103 can be removed and replaced with thedesired engaging members.

If the user decides to couple the device 100 to the toilet via thecoupling adaptor 600, then the user can couple the coupling adaptor 600to the neck of the toilet. The user can position the coupling adaptor600 on the top of the neck of the toilet with the ends 607 of thespacing elements 602 of the coupling adaptor 600 placed on the neck ofthe toilet, which provides a space between the neck of the toilet andthe body 601 of the coupling adaptor 600. The securing element 603 canthen be used to securely fasten the coupling adaptor 600 to the toilet.For example, the securing element 603 can be securely fastened aroundthe neck of the toilet, the tank of the toilet, the lower exterior ofthe toilet bowl, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the securingelement 603 can be securely fastened around the tank of the toilet andthe lower exterior of the toilet bowl.

In general, if part or all of the engaging members 102,103 areremovable, the user can select the desired (or appropriate) engagingmembers 102,103, or part thereof, for the desired area and manner forengagement. For example, in one embodiment, the user can select two ofthe extension elements 106,306,406,506 based on the desired area andmanner for engagement. If the undesired (or inappropriate) extensionelements for the desired area and manner are currently coupled to thedevice, the user can first remove the undesired extension elements. Forexample, the user can depress the locking element 118 to unlock andremove the undesired extension element from the extension through-holes129,130 on the collar 104. Then the user can similarly repeat theprocess for the undesired extension element in the collar 105. Thedesired extension elements can then be coupled to the collars 104,105.For example, while depressing the locking element 118, the user caninsert the first desired extension element into the extensionthrough-holes 129,130 of the collar 104. Once the first selectedextension element is inserted into the extension through-holes 129,130,the user can release the locking element 118 when the contact surface ofthe first selected extension element is at the approximate desireddistal distance to the elongated member 101. To ensure that the firstselected extension element is locked in the collar 104, the user canslide the first selected extension element until the one or more grooveson each leg of the first selected extension element are adjacent to thelocking element 118 and the locking element 118 is forced into thelocked mode by the spring 133. The user can similarly repeat thisprocess for the second desired extension element and the collar 105.Once the first and second extension elements are coupled to the device100, the user can unlock and displace the collars 104,105 accordingly toengage the first and second extension elements with the toilet in thedesired areas and manners. The device can then be used by the user tomove the toilet.

In the following figures, FIGS. 8-14, descriptions are provided forcoupling the device to the toilet in various desired areas and manners,according to example embodiments. For reference purposes, the devices inthe following figures, FIGS. 8-14, are referred to with differentreference numbers than the device 100 when the device includes differentextension elements from those shown coupled to the device 100 in FIGS.1A and 1B. It should be appreciated, however, that the previousdiscussions related to the common features and function of the device100 can similarly apply here, and that not all common features andfunction are repeated here for the sake clarity and brevity.Furthermore, the common components (e.g., elongated member, collars, andcomponents thereof) may be referred to using the same reference numbersas previously identified in the previous figures. Further, for the sakeof clarity, some common components in the previous figures may bereferenced despite not being visible in FIGS. 8-14.

Engaging a Neck of a Toilet from Around the Neck

In general, when the engaging members of the device are to engage theneck of the toilet from around the neck, the user can displace theengaging members far enough apart on the elongated member to fit aroundthe neck of the toilet. With the device held over the top of the neck,the user can then position the contact surfaces of the engaging membersaround the neck of the toilet. Once inserted below the neck of thetoilet, the user can displace one or both of the engaging members inwarduntil both of the engaging members securely engage the neck of thetoilet.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of the device 100 before the device100 is fully engaged with a neck 802 of a toilet 801 from around theneck 802, according to an embodiment. FIG. 8B depicts a perspective viewof the device 100 shown in FIG. 8A when fully engaged with the neck 802of the toilet 801 from around the neck 802, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 8A and 8B are described together herein. As shown in FIGS. 8A and8B, the device 100 can include the engaging member 102,103. The engagingmembers 102,103 can include the collars 104,105 and the extensionelements 106,107, respectively. The extension elements 106,107 caninclude the contact surfaces 108,109 and the legs 124,125, which canhave the grooves 122,123 dispose thereon, respectively.

When coupling the device 100 to the neck 802 of the toilet 801, the usercan hold the elongated member 101 with one hand above the neck 802. Theuser can then unlock the locking mechanism 110 for the collar 104 bysqueezing the friction washers 114 with the other hand and displace thecollar 104 outward along the elongated member 101 until both of thecontact surfaces 108,109 can fit around the neck 802 of the toilet 801.If necessary, the user can unlock the locking mechanism 111 for collar105 by squeezing the friction washers 115 and displace the collar 105outward so that both of the contact surfaces 108,109 can fit around theneck 802 of the toilet 801. The contact surface 108 (shown hidden inFIGS. 8A and 8B) can then be positioned around one side of the neck 802of the toilet 801. If the contact surface 108 is to engage around theseat bolt, then the user can tilt the device 100 to position the contactsurface 108 around the seat bolt (not shown) protruding from the bottomof the neck, as shown in FIG. 8A. The collar 104 can then be displacedinward along the elongated member 101 until the contact surface 108securely engages the neck 802 of the toilet 801. The user can then lockthe locking mechanism 110 by releasing the friction washers 114 so thatthe contact surface 108 of the collar 104 remains securely engaged withthe neck 802 of the toilet 801. Similarly, the user can unlock thelocking mechanism 111 for collar 105 by squeezing the friction washers115. The collar 105 can then be displaced inward along the elongatedmember 101 until the contact surface 109 of the collar 105 securelyengages the neck 802 on the opposite side of the neck 802. If thecontact surface 109 is to engage around the seat bolt, then the user cantilt the device 100 to position the contact surface 109 around the seatbolt. The user can then lock the locking mechanism 111 by releasing thefriction washers 115 so that the contact surface 109 of the collar 105remains securely coupled to the underside of the neck 802.

If the device 100 does not feel solid and secure once coupled, the usercan unlock and reposition one of the collars 104,105 until a snug fit isformed. In some instances, the user can further stabilize the device 100to the neck 802 by depressing the locking elements 118,119 (e.g., one ata time) to unlock and insert the extension elements 106,107 further intothe collars 104,105, respectively. The user can release the lockingelements 118,119 such that the locking elements 118,119 willautomatically reenter the locked mode when one of the grooves 122,123becomes adjacent to the locking element 118,119, respectively. In thisway, the collars 104,105 can be positioned closer to the neck 802 of thetoilet 801 to provide a more stable coupling to the neck 802 of thetoilet 801. In some instances, the collars 104,105 or the elongatedmember 101 can abut the top of the neck 802 of the toilet 801 andprovide extra stability. When coupled securely, the device 100 can havelittle to no sideway movement (or “slop”) and can have little to novertical (or up and down) movement.

When the device 100 is securely coupled to the neck 802 of the toilet801, as shown in FIG. 8B, the elongated member 101 can be used as ahandle for the user to hold to move the toilet 801. The user can movethe toilet 801 with one or both hands as desired. For example, the usercan move the toilet 801 with one hand without the need to bend over thedevice 100 while securing the toilet 801 with the free hand. As anotherexample, two users can stand on each side of the toilet 801 and holdopposite ends of the elongated member 101 outside of the collars 104,105to move the toilet. When finished moving the toilet 801, the user canremove the device 100 by unlocking and displacing one or both collars104,105 until the respective extension elements 106,107 are no longerengaged under the neck 802 of the toilet 801. The user can then removethe contact surfaces 108,109 from around the neck 802. The device 100can then be used to move the same, or different, toilet.

Engaging an Exterior of a Toilet Bowl

In general, when the engaging members are to engage the exterior of thetoilet bowl, the user can displace the engaging members far enough aparton the elongated member to fit around the exterior of the toilet bowl.With the device held over the top of the toilet bowl, the user can thenposition the contact surfaces of the engaging members around theexterior of the toilet bowl. Once inserted below the exterior of thetoilet bowl, the user can displace one or both of the engaging membersinward until both of the engaging members securely engage the exteriorof the toilet bowl. If the engaging members are to be placed under thetoilet (or under the exterior of the toilet bowl), then the user canlift one side of the toilet while the first engaging member is placedunder one side of the toilet. The opposite side of the toilet can thenbe lifted to place the other engaging member under the toilet

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of the device 100 before the device100 is fully engaged with an exterior of a toilet bowl 902 from aroundthe toilet bowl 902, according to an embodiment. FIG. 9B depicts aperspective view of the device 100 shown in FIG. 9A when fully engagedwith the exterior of the toilet bowl 902 from around the toilet bowl902, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B are described togetherherein. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the device 100 can include theengaging member 102,103. The engaging members 102,103 can include thecollars 104,105 and the extension elements 106,107, respectively. Theextension elements 106,107 can include the contact surfaces 108,109 andthe legs 124,125, which can have the grooves 122,123 dispose thereon,respectively.

When coupling the device 100 to the exterior of the toilet bowl 902 ofthe toilet 901, the user can hold the elongated member 101 with one handabove the toilet bowl 902. The user can then unlock the lockingmechanism 110 for the collar 104 by squeezing the friction washers 114with the other hand and displace the collar 104 outward along theelongated member 101 until both of the contact surfaces 108,109 can fitaround the exterior of the toilet bowl 902. If necessary, the user canunlock the locking mechanism 111 for collar 105 by squeezing thefriction washers 115 and displace the collar 105 outward so that both ofthe contact surfaces 108,109 can fit around the exterior of the toiletbowl 902. The contact surfaces 108,109 can then be positioned around theexterior of the toilet bowl 902. The collar 104 can then be displacedinward along the elongated member 101 until the contact surface 108securely engages the exterior of the toilet 901, as shown in FIG. 9A. Ifthe contact surface 108 is to engage under the exterior of the toiletbowl 902, then the user can lift one side of the toilet bowl 902 whilethe contact surface 108 is inserted under one side of the toilet bowl902. The user can then lock the locking mechanism 110 by releasing thefriction washers 114 so that the contact surface 108 of the collar 104remains securely engaged with the exterior of the toilet bowl 902.Similarly, the user can unlock the locking mechanism 111 for collar 105by squeezing the friction washers 115. The collar 105 can then bedisplaced inward along the elongated member 101 until the contactsurface 109 of the collar 105 securely engages the exterior of thetoilet bowl 902 on the opposite side of the toilet bowl 902. If thecontact surface 109 is to engage under the exterior of the toilet bowl902, then the user can lift that side of the toilet bowl 902 while thecontact surface 109 is inserted under the exterior of the toilet bowl902. The user can then lock the locking mechanism 111 by releasing thefriction washers 115 so that the contact surface 109 of the collar 105remains securely coupled to the exterior of the toilet bowl 902.

If the device 100 does not feel solid and secure once coupled, the usercan unlock and reposition one of the collars 104,105 until a snug fit isformed. In some instances, the user can further stabilize the device 100to the exterior of the toilet bowl 902 by depressing the lockingelements 118,119 (e.g., one at a time) to unlock and insert theextension elements 106,107 further into the collars 104,105,respectively. The user can release the locking elements 118,119 suchthat the locking elements 118,119 will automatically reenter the lockedmode when one of the grooves 122,123 becomes adjacent to the lockingelement 118,119, respectively. In this way, the collars 104,105 can bepositioned closer to the seat 903 (or rim if no seat is present) of thetoilet 901 to provide a more stable coupling to the seat 903 of thetoilet 901. In some instances, the collars 104,105 or the elongatedmember 101 can abut the top of the seat 903 of the toilet bowl 902 andprovide extra stability. When coupled securely, the device 100 can havelittle to no sideway movement (or “slop”) and can have little to novertical (or up and down) movement.

When the device 100 is securely coupled to the exterior of the toiletbowl 902, as shown in FIG. 9B, the elongated member 101 can be used as ahandle for the user to hold to move the toilet 901. The user can movethe toilet 901 with one or both hands as desired. For example, the usercan move the toilet 901 with one hand without the need to bend over thedevice 100 while securing the toilet 901 with the free hand. As anotherexample, two users can stand on each side of the toilet 901 and holdopposite ends of the elongated member 101 outside of the collars 104,105to move the toilet. When finished moving the toilet 901, the user canremove the device 100 by unlocking and displacing one or both collars104,105 until the respective extension elements 106,107 are no longerengaged under the exterior of the toilet bowl 902. The user can thenremove the contact surfaces 108,109 from around the exterior of thetoilet bowl 902. The device 100 can then be used to move the same, ordifferent, toilet.

Engaging a Rim of a Toilet

In general, when the engaging members coupled to the device are toengage the rim of the toilet bowl, the user can displace the engagingmembers close enough together on the elongated member to fit within thetoilet bowl. The contact surfaces of the engaging members can then beinserted into the toilet bowl below the rim of the toilet. Once insertedbelow the rim of the toilet, the user can displace one or both of theengaging members outward until both of the engaging members securelyengage the rim of the toilet.

FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of a device 1000 before the device1000 is fully engaged with a rim 1002 of a toilet bowl 1003 of a toilet1001, according to an embodiment. FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view ofthe device 1000 shown in FIG. 10A when the device 1000 is fully engagedwith the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 10A and 10B are described together herein. As shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, a device 1000 can include the engaging member 102,103. Theengaging members 102,103 can include a collars 104,105 and extensionelements 406′,406″ coupled to the collars 104,105, respectively. Theextension element 406′ can be the same, for instance, as the previouslydescribed extension element 406 in FIG. 4. The extension element 406′can have grooves 422′ on the opposite side of legs 424′ from which acontact surface 408′ extends. The extension element 406″ can be similarto the previously described extension element 406, except that theextension element 406″ can have grooves 422″ on the same side of legs424″ from which a contact surface 408′ extends.

When coupling the device 1000 to the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003 ofthe toilet 1001, the user can hold the elongated member 101 with onehand above the rim 1002 of the toilet 1001. The user can then unlock thelocking mechanism 110 for the collar 104 by squeezing the frictionwashers 114 with the other hand and displace the collar 104 inward alongthe elongated member 101 until both of the contact surfaces 408′,408″can fit within the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003. The contactsurfaces 408′,408″ can then be inserted within the toilet bowl 1003below the rim 1002, as shown in FIG. 10A. The user can start with thecollar 105 displaced all the way to the end of the elongated member 101and then displace the device 1000 to stably engage the contact surface408″ to the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003. Alternatively, if desired,the user can start with the collar 105 generally in the middle of theelongated member 101. The user can unlock the locking mechanism 111 forthe collar 105 by squeezing the friction washers 115. The collar 105 canthen be displaced outward along the elongated member 101 until thecontact surface 408″ of the collar 105 securely engages the rim 1002 ofthe toilet bowl 1003. The user can then lock the locking mechanism 111by releasing the friction washers 115 so that the contact surface 408″of the collar 105 is stably engaged with the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl1003. Once the contact surface 408″ is engaged with the rim 1002, thecollar 104 can be displaced outward along the elongated member 101 untilthe contact surface 408′ of collar 104 securely engages to the undersideof the rim 1002 of the toilet 1001. The user can then lock the lockingmechanism 110 by releasing the friction washers 114 so that the contactsurface 408′ of the collar 104 remains securely engaged with the rim1002 of the toilet bowl 1003.

When coupled securely, the device 1000 can have little to no sidewaymovement (or “slop”) and can have little to no vertical (or up and down)movement. If the device 1000 does not feel solid and secure oncecoupled, the user can unlock and reposition one of the collars 104,105until a snug fit is formed. In some instances, the user can furtherstabilize the device 1000 to the rim 1002 of the toilet 1001 bydepressing the locking elements 118,119 (e.g., one at a time) to unlockand insert the extension elements 406′,406″ further into the collars104,105, respectively. The user can release the locking elements 118,119such that the locking elements 118,119 will automatically reenter thelocked mode when one of the grooves 422′,422″ becomes adjacent to thelocking element 118,119, respectively. In this way, the collars 104,105can be positioned closer to the rim 1002 of the toilet 1001 to provide amore stable coupling to the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003. In someinstances, the collars 104,105 or the elongated member 101 can abut thetop of the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003 and provide extra stability.Alternatively, the user can start with the contact surfaces 408′,408″ atthe approximate desired distal distance to the elongated member 101 toclosely engage to the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl 1003.

When the device 1000 is securely coupled to the rim 1002 of the toiletbowl 1003, such as shown in FIG. 10B, the elongated member 101 can beused as a handle for the user to hold to move the toilet 1001. The usercan move the toilet 1001 with one or both hands as desired. For example,the user can move the toilet 1001 with one hand without the need to bendover the device 1000 while securing the toilet 1001 with the free hand.As another example, two users can stand on each side of the toilet 1001and hold the elongated member 101 to move the toilet 1001. When finishedmoving the toilet 1001, the user can remove the device 1000 by unlockingand displacing one or both collars 104,105 until the extension elements406′,406″ are no longer engaged under the rim 1002 of the toilet bowl1003. The user can then remove the contact surfaces 408′,408″ frominside the toilet bowl 1003. The device 1000 can then be used to movethe same, or different, toilet as needed by similarly repeating theprocess. It should be appreciated that the extension elements 406′,406″can be engaged with the rim 1002 of the toilet 1001 at various positionswithin the toilet bowl 1003. For example, the extension elements406′,406″ can be engaged with the respective front and back ends of therim 1002, such as shown in FIG. 10B. For reference purposes, the backend and front end of the toilet may also be referred to herein as the 12o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, respectively. In other instances, theextension elements 406′,406″ can be engaged with the opposite sides ofthe rim 1002 (or the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions), or any otheropposite ends of the rim 1002.

Engaging a Neck of a Toilet Through Seat Holes

In general, when the engaging members are to engage the neck of thetoilet through the seat holes in the neck, the user can remove the seatto expose the seat holes. The user can displace the engaging members toalign with the seat holes. With the device held over the top of theneck, the user can insert the contact surfaces of the engaging membersthrough the seat holes in the neck. Once positioned through the seatholes of the neck, the user can adjust one or both of the engagingmembers longitudinally along the elongated member if better alignment isnecessary.

FIG. 11A depicts a perspective view of a device 1100 before the device1100 is fully engaged with a neck 1102 of a toilet 1101 through seatholes 1103, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11B depicts a perspectiveview of the device 1100 shown in FIG. 11A when fully engaged with theneck 1102 of the toilet 1101 through the seat holes 1103, according toan embodiment. FIGS. 11A and 11B are described together. As shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, the device 1100 can include the engaging member102,103. The engaging members 102,103 can include the collars 104,105and extension elements 506′,506″ coupled to the collars 104,105,respectively. The extension elements 506′,506″ can be the same, forinstance, as the previously described extension element 506 in FIG. 5.The extension elements 506′,506″ can include contact surfaces 508′,508″and legs 524′,524″, which can have grooves 522′,522″ dispose thereon,respectively.

The extension elements 506′,506″ can be shackles having a single leg524′,524″, respectively. The extension element 506′,506″ can be inserted(e.g., one at a time) into either one of the extension through-holes inthe collars 104,105 while depressing the locking elements 118,119 toactivate the unlocked mode, respectively. The user can release thelocking elements 118,119 so that the respective extension element506′,506″ can become locked once properly inserted at the desiredposition, which corresponds to the contact surfaces 508′,508″ beingmaintained at a certain distal distance to the elongated member 101. Toprovide a better fit, each of the extension elements 506′,506″ can beinserted into an extension through-hole on the same side of the collars104,105. If the seat is still coupled to the neck 1102 of the toilet1101, then the seat can be removed by removing the seat bolts.

When coupling the device 1100 to the neck 1102 of the toilet 1101through the seat holes 1103, the user can unlock the locking mechanisms110,111 for the collars 104,105 by squeezing the friction washers114,115 to displace the collars 104,105 along the elongated member 101until both of the contact surfaces 508′,508″ are the approximate widthof the seat holes 1103, respectively. The user can then lock the lockingmechanisms 110,111 by releasing the friction washers 114,115,respectively. The user can then hold the device 1100 above the toiletbowl 1104 with the contact surfaces 508′,508″ of the respectiveextension elements 506′,506″ pointing down towards the seat holes 1103,as shown in FIG. 11B. The elongated member 101 can be oriented with thecontact surfaces 508′,508″ closer to a vertical orientation in order tomore easily insert the contact surfaces 508′,508″ into the seat holes1103. The contact surface 508″ can then be inserted through one of theseat holes 1103. If necessary, the user can unlock and lock the lockingmechanism 110 of the collar 104 to displace the collar 104 as necessaryto more precisely align with the other one of the seat holes 1103. Oncealigned with the seat holes 1103, the contact surface 508′ can beinserted through the other one of the seat holes 1103. While rotatingthe elongated member 101 about the axis extending through the two seatholes 1103, the user can position the elongated member 101 over the neck1102 with the contact surfaces 508′,508″ becoming parallel to the neck1102. The user can then rotate each of the contact surfaces 508′,508″about the respective axis of the respective leg 524′,524″ to extend indirections that provide stability, such as in directions away from oneanother.

In some instances, the user can further stabilize the device 1100 to theneck 1102 by depressing the locking elements 118,119 (e.g., one at atime) to unlock and insert the extension elements 506′506″ further intothe collars 104,105, respectively. The user can release the lockingelements 118,119 such that the locking elements 118,119 willautomatically reenter the locked mode when one of the grooves 522′,522″becomes adjacent to the locking elements 118,119, respectively. In thisway, the collars 104,105 can be positioned closer to the neck 1102 ofthe toilet 1101 to provide a more stable coupling to the neck 1102 ofthe toilet 1101. In some instances, the collars 104,105 of the elongatedmember 101 can abut the top of the neck 1102 of the toilet 1101 andprovide extra stability. When coupled securely, the device 1100 can havelittle to no sideway movement (or “slop”) and can have little to novertical (or up and down) movement. If the device 1100 does not feelsolid and secure once coupled, the user can unlock and reposition one ofthe collars 104,105 until a snug fit is formed.

When the device 1100 is securely coupled to the neck 1102 of the toilet1101, as shown in FIG. 11B, the elongated member 101 can be used as ahandle for the user to hold to move the toilet 1101. The user can movethe toilet 1101 with one or both hands as desired. For example, the usercan move the toilet 1101 with one hand without the need to bend over thedevice 1100 while securing the toilet 1101 with the free hand. Asanother example, two users can stand on each side of the toilet 1101 andhold the elongated member 101 on the outside of the collars 104,105, forinstance. When finished moving the toilet 1101, the user can remove thedevice 1100 by rotating the contact surfaces 508′,508″ to extend back inthe original direction during insertion into the seat holes 1103. Theelongated member 101 can then be rotated about the axis extendingthrough the seat holes 1103, until the elongated member 101 is rotatedback over the toilet bowl 1104 so that the contact surfaces 508′,508″are oriented closer to a vertical orientation. The contact surfaces508′,508″ can then be removed from the seat holes 1103. The device 1100can then be used to move the same, or different, toilet.

Engaging a Neck of a Toilet Via a Coupling Adaptor

In general, when the engaging members are to engage the neck of thetoilet via the coupling adaptor coupled to the neck, the seat of thetoilet does not necessarily have to be removes, such as to expose theseat holes. As previously described above, the user can couple thecoupling adaptor to the neck of the toilet. The user can then displacethe engaging members to align with the holes on the coupling adaptor.With the device held over the top of the seat, the user can insert thecontact surfaces of the engaging members through the holes in thecoupling adaptor. Once positioned through the holes in the couplingadaptor, the user can adjust one or both of the engaging memberslongitudinally along the elongated member if better alignment isnecessary.

FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of a device 1200 before the device1200 is fully engaged with a neck 1202 of a toilet 1201 via an adaptor600, according to an embodiment. FIG. 12B depicts a perspective view ofthe device 1200 shown in FIG. 12A when fully engaged with the neck 1202of the toilet 1201 via the adaptor 600, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 12A and 12B are described together herein. As shown in FIGS. 12Aand 12B, the device 1200 can include the engaging member 102,103. Theengaging members 102,103 can include the collars 104,105 and extensionelements 506′,506″ coupled to the collars 104,105, respectively. Theextension elements 506′,506″ can be the same, for instance, as thepreviously described extension element 506 in FIG. 5. The extensionelements 506′,506″ can include contact surfaces 508′,508″ and legs524′,524″, which have grooves 522′,522″ dispose thereon, respectively.As previously described above, the user can couple the coupling adaptor600 to the neck 1202 of the toilet 1201 with the spacing elements 602(not shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B) disposed on the neck 1202 of the toilet1201. The spacing elements 602 can provide a space between the neck 1202of the toilet 1201 and the body 601 of the coupling adaptor 600. Thecoupling adaptor 600 is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B as having alreadybeen securely coupled to the neck 1202 of the toilet 1201. The couplingadaptor 600 includes a securing element 603 (parts of which are showndotted in FIGS. 12A and 12B when hidden) that can be securely fastenedaround the neck 1202 and the exterior of the toilet bowl 1204, forinstance.

The extension elements 506′,506″ can be shackles having a single leg524′,524″, respectively. The extension element 506′,506″ can be inserted(e.g., one at a time) into either one of the extension through-holes inthe collars 104,105 while depressing the locking elements 118,119 toactivate the unlocked mode, respectively. The user can release thelocking elements 118,119 so that the respective extension element506′,506″ can become locked once properly inserted at the desiredheight. To provide a better fit, each of the extension elements506′,506″ can be inserted into an extension through-hole on the sameside of the collars 104,105. The seat 1203 can remain on the toilet 1201when the coupling adaptor 600 is coupled to the neck 1202 of the toilet1201. In some instances, depending on the specific design of the toilet1201 or the preference of the user, the seat 1203 can be removed firstbefore coupling the coupling adaptor 600 to the neck 1202 of the toilet1201.

When coupling the device 1200 to the neck 1202 of the toilet 1201 viathe coupling adaptor 600, the user can unlock the locking mechanisms110,111 for the collars 104,105 by squeezing the friction washers114,115 to displace the collars 104,105 outward along the elongatedmember 101 until both of the contact surfaces 508′508″ are theapproximately width of the holes 604 in the coupling adaptor 600,respectively. The user can then lock the locking mechanisms 110,111 byreleasing the friction washers 114,115, respectively. The user can thenhold the device 1200 above the seat 1203 with the contact surfaces508′,508″ of the respective extension elements 506′,506″ pointing downtowards the holes 604, as shown in FIG. 12A. The elongated member 101can be oriented with the contact surfaces 508′,508″ closer to a verticalorientation in order to more easily insert the contact surfaces508′,508″ into the holes 604. The contact surface 508″ can then beinserted through one of the holes 604. If necessary, the user can unlockand lock the locking mechanism 110 of the collar 104 to displace thecollar 104 as necessary to more precisely align with the other one ofthe holes 604. Once aligned with the holes 604, the contact surface 508′can be inserted through the other one of the holes 604. While rotatingthe elongated member 101 about the axis extending through the two holes604, the user can position the elongated member 101 over the neck 1202with the contact surfaces 508′,508″ becoming parallel to the neck 1202.The user can then rotate each of the contact surfaces 508′,508″ aboutthe respective axis of the respective leg 524′,524″ to extend indirections that provide stability, such as in directions away from oneanother.

In some instances, the user can further stabilize the device 1200 to theneck 1202 via the adaptor 600 by depressing the locking elements 118,119(e.g., one at a time) to unlock and insert the extension elements506′,506″ further into the collars 104,105, respectively. The user canrelease the locking elements 118,119 such that the locking elements118,119 will automatically reenter the locked mode when one of thegrooves 522′,522″ becomes adjacent to the locking elements 118,119,respectively. In this way, the collars 104,105 can be positioned closerto the coupling adaptor 600 of the toilet 1201 to provide a more stablecoupling to the neck 1202 via the coupling adaptor 600. In someinstances, the collars 104,105 of the elongated member 101 can abut thetop of the coupling adaptor 600 and provide extra stability. Whencoupled securely, the device 1200 can have little to no sideway movement(or “slop”) and can have little to no vertical (or up and down)movement. If the device 1200 does not feel solid and secure oncecoupled, the user can unlock and reposition one of the collars 104,105until a snug fit is formed.

When the device 1200 is securely coupled to the neck 1202 of the toilet1201 via the adaptor 600, as shown in FIG. 12B, the elongated member 101can be used as a handle for the user to hold to move the toilet 1201.The user can move the toilet 1201 with one or both hands as desired. Forexample, the user can move the toilet 1201 with one hand without theneed to bend over the device 1200 while securing the toilet 1201 withthe free hand. As another example, two users can stand on each side ofthe toilet 1201 and hold the elongated member 101 on the outside of thecollars 104,105, for instance. When finished moving the toilet 1201, theuser can remove the device 1200 by rotating the contact surfaces508′,508″ to extend back in the original direction during insertion intothe holes 604. The elongated member 101 can then be rotated about theaxis extending through the holes 604, until the elongated member 101 isrotated back over the seat 1203 so that the contact surfaces 508′,508″are oriented closer to a vertical orientation. The contact surfaces508′,508″ can then be removed from the holes 604. The device 1200 canthen be used to move the same, or different, toilet.

Engaging a Rim and a Neck of a Toilet Via a Coupling Adaptor

In general, the device can include engaging members that engage thetoilet in different areas and manners. For example, in one embodiment,the device can include an engaging member that can engage the rim of thetoilet and another engaging member that can engage the coupling adaptorcoupled to the toilet. The user can remove the seat from the toilet byremoving the seat bolts in the seat holes of the toilet and thenremoving the seat. The user can then couple the coupling adaptor to theneck of the toilet, as previously described.

FIG. 13A depicts a perspective view of a device 1300 before the device1300 is fully engaged with a neck 1303 of a toilet 1301 and a rim 1302of a toilet bowl 1304, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13B depicts aperspective view of the device 1300 shown in FIG. 13A when fully engagedwith the neck 1303 of the toilet 1301 and the rim 1302 of the toiletbowl 1304, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 13A and 13B are describedtogether herein. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the device 1300 caninclude the engaging member 102,103. The engaging member 103 can includethe collar 105 and extension elements 506′,506″ coupled to the collar105. The extension elements 506′,506″ can be the same, for instance, asthe previously described extension element 506. The extension elements506′,506″ can include contact surfaces 508′,508″ and legs 524′,524″,which can have grooves 522′,522″ dispose thereon, respectively. Theengaging member 102 can include a collar 104 and the extension element406 coupled to the collar 104. The extension element 406 can be thesame, for instance, as the previously described extension element 406 inFIG. 4. The extension element 406 can have grooves 422 (not shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B) on the opposite side of legs 424 (not shown in FIGS.13A and 13B) from which a contact surface 408 extends. The couplingadaptor 600 is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B as having already beensecurely coupled to the neck 1303 of the toilet 1301. The couplingadaptor 600 includes a securing element 603 (parts of which are showndotted in FIGS. 13A and 13B when hidden) that is securely fastenedaround the neck 1303 and the exterior of the toilet bowl 1304.

The extension elements 506′,506″ can be shackles having a single leg524′,524″, respectively. The extension element 506′,506″ can thus beinserted (e.g., one at a time) into both of the extension through-holesin the collar 105 while depressing the locking element 119 to activatethe unlocked mode. The user can release the locking element 119 so thatthe extension element 506′,506″ can become locked once properly insertedat the desired position, which corresponds to the contact surfaces508′,508″ being maintained at a certain distal distance to the elongatedmember 101. In another embodiment, only one extension element (e.g., theextension element 506′) can be coupled to the collar 105. The engagingmember 102 can be configured to engage the rim 1302 of the toilet bowl1304 by coupling the extension element 406 to the collar 104.

The user can first couple the engaging member 103 to the couplingadaptor 600. The user can first unlock the locking mechanism 111 for thecollar 105 by squeezing the friction washers 115 to displace the collar105 to near the end of the elongated member 101. The user can then lockthe locking mechanism 111 by releasing the friction washers 115. Theextension elements 506′,506″ can be spaced to align with the holes 605of the coupling adaptor 600. In this way, the two extension elements506′,506″ can be at the appropriate width to align within the holes 605.

When coupling the device 1300 to the coupling adaptor 600, the elongatedmember 101 can be oriented so that the end with the collar 105 is in the12 o'clock position and the end with the collar 104 is in the 6 o'clockposition. The extension elements 506′,506″ can be rotated so that thecontact surfaces 508′,508″ extend outward. The end of the elongatedmember 101 with the collar 104 can then be rotate upward about the axisextending through the holes 605, as shown in FIG. 13A. In this way, thecontact surfaces 508′,508″ can be oriented closer to a verticalorientation in order to more easily insert the contact surfaces508′,508″ into the holes 605. The contact surfaces 508′,508″ can then beinserted through the holes 605 while rotating the end of the elongatedmember 101 with the collar 104 back down about the axis extendingthrough the holes 605, until the elongated member 101 is rotated back tobeing approximately horizontal with the end of the elongated member 101with the collar 104 in the 6' o'clock position. The user can then rotatethe contact surfaces 508′,508″ to extend in directions that providestability, such as in directions away from one another.

The user can now couple the engaging member 102 to the rim 1302 of thetoilet bowl 1304. For example, the user can unlock the locking mechanism110 for collar 104 by squeezing the friction washers 114. The collar 104can then be displaced outward along the elongated member 101 until thecontact surface 408 securely engages the rim 1302 on the opposite sideof the toilet bowl 1304. The user can then lock the locking mechanism110 by releasing the friction washers 114 so that the contact surface408 of the collar 104 remains securely coupled to the rim 1302 of thetoilet bowl 1304.

In some instances, the user can further stabilize the device 1300 to thecoupling adaptor 600 and the rim 1302 of the toilet 1301 by depressingthe locking elements 118,119 (e.g., one at a time) to unlock and insertthe extension elements 406,(506′,506″) further into the collars 104,105,respectively. The user can then release the locking elements 118,119such that the locking elements 118,119 will automatically reenter thelocked mode when one of the grooves 422,(522′,522″) becomes adjacent tothe locking element 118,119, respectively. In this way, the collars104,105 can be positioned closer to the rim 1302 of the toilet 1301 andthe coupling adaptor 600 to provide a more stable coupling to the rim1302 and the coupling adaptor 600, respectively. In some instances, thecollars 104,105 or the elongated member 101 can abut the top of the rim1302 or the coupling adaptor 600 and provide extra stability,respectively. When coupled securely, the device 1300 can have little tono sideway movement (or “slop”) and can have little to no vertical (orup and down) movement. If the device 1300 does not feel solid and secureonce coupled, the user can unlock and reposition one of the collars104,105 until a snug fit is formed.

When the device 1300 is securely coupled to the coupling adaptor 600 andthe rim 1302, as shown in FIG. 13B, the elongated member 101 can be usedas a handle for the user to hold to move the toilet 1301. The user canmove the toilet 1301 with one or both hands as desired. For example, theuser can move the toilet 1301 with one hand without the need to bendover the device 1300 while securing the toilet 1301 with the free hand.As another example, two users can stand on each side of the toilet 1301and hold the elongated member 101, for instance. When finished movingthe toilet 1301, the user can remove the device 1300 by unlocking anddisplacing the collar 104 until the extension element 406 is no longerengaged under the rim 1302 of the toilet bowl 1304. The extensionelements 506′,506″ can then be rotated so that the contact surfaces508′,508″ extend outward. The end of the elongated member 101 with thecollar 104 can then be rotated back upward about the axis extendingthrough the holes 605, in order to orient the contact surfaces 508′,508″closer to a vertical orientation. The contact surfaces 508′,508″ canthen be removed from the holes 605 in the coupling adaptor 600. Thedevice 1300 can then be used to move the same, or different, toilet1301. In another embodiment, the device 1300 can be similarly utilizedto couple the device 1300 to the rim of the toilet and directly to theneck of the toilet through a seat hole. For example, a similar method asdescribed above for FIG. 13 can be followed, except that the couplingadaptor 600 is not necessary and can be excluded; the collar 105 caninclude a single extension element 506 inserted within either one of theextension through-holes of the collar 105; and, the contact surface 508can be inserted within one of the seat holes on the neck of the toilet.

Engaging a Toilet Utilizing a Stabilizing Adaptor

As previously described, the stabilizing adaptor 700 shown in FIG. 7 canbe coupled to a device for moving a toilet to provide stability to thetoilet when mounting the toilet. FIG. 14 depicts the stabilizing adaptor700 shown in FIG. 7 when coupled to the device 1000 shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, according to an embodiment. Accordingly, FIG. 14 is describedtogether herein with reference to FIGS. 7, 10A, and 10B. Referencenumerals for common features shown in FIGS. 7, 10A, and 10B may also beindicated in FIG. 14. It should be appreciated that other devices andconfigurations can also similarly apply here, such as the device 1300shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B for instance.

The toilet 1416 is configured to sit off the ground 1417 and mount tothe wall mount 1415 on the wall 1414, as opposed to the floor. Whenusing the device 1000 to mount the toilet 1416 to the wall mount 1415 onthe wall 1414, the user can find it difficult to hold the toilet 1416 upwith one hand and align and mount the toilet 1416 to the wall mount 1415with the free hand. When the toilet 1416 is to be mounted to the wallmount 1415, the device 1000 can be coupled to the toilet 1416 in the 12o'clock and 6 o'clock position following one of the previously describedmethods described in FIGS. 8-13, such as the methods described in FIGS.10A, 10B, 13A, and 13B. The description here will assume that for thedevice 1000, the end of the elongated member 101 in the 6 o'clockposition has the collar 104 and the end cap 126 coupled thereto. For thesake of clarity, the steps of coupling the device 1000 of FIGS. 10A and10B (or the steps of coupling the device 1300 of FIGS. 13A and 13B) arenot repeated again here.

Once securely engaged with the toilet 1416, the user can hold theelongated member 101 with one hand and move the toilet 1416 to theapproximate location of the wall mount 1415. Because the toilet 1416 canobstruct the user's view of the wall mount 1415, it can be difficult forthe user to accurately position the toilet 1416 onto the wall mount 1415and to secure (e.g., bolt or screw) the toilet 1416 to the wall mount1415 while holding the toilet 1416 up with the device 100. The user cantake the stabilizing adaptor 700 with the free hand and couple theconnection unit 702 of the stabilizing adaptor 700 to the end of theelongated member 101 in the 6 o'clock position. For example, thecoupling element 704 can be inserted into the hole in the end cap 126 atthe end of the elongated member 101. The base 711 of the elongatedmember 101 can be suspended in the air and not contacting the ground1417 when inserting the coupling element 704 into the hole in the endcap 126. The user can then unlock the collar 703 on the stabilizingadaptor 700 by squeezing the friction washer 706 towards the collar 703.When the collar 703 is unlocked, the elongated member 701 of thestabilizing adaptor 700 is free to displace within the hole of thecollar 703 and displaces downward until the base 711 contacts the ground1417. Once the base 711 contacts the ground 1417, the user can releasethe friction washer 706 to lock the collar 703 longitudinally along theelongated member 701. In this way, the elongated member 701 can belocked at the appropriate height to stabilize and prop up the front endof the toilet 1416. The base 711 can be positioned on the ground 1417 asneeded to provide stability, as shown in FIG. 14. The elongated member701 can be angled such that the base 711 is slightly further away fromthe toilet 1416 than the end of the elongated member 701 with the endcap 710. This can provided extra stability when propping up the toilet1416. The user can now let go of the elongated member 101 on the device100 and attend to mounting the toilet 1416 to the wall mount 1415. Forexample, the user can look behind the toilet 1416 and slightly adjustthe toilet 1416 to accurately mount the toilet 1416 to the wall mount1415 if necessary. The user can also secure the toilet 1416 to the wallmount 1415 while the stabilizing adaptor 700 stabilizes the toilet 1416.

In some instances, the toilet 1416 may need to be moved significantly toalign or secure the toilet 1416 to the wall mount 1415. In such case,the user can hold the device 100 to again move the toilet 1416 whileadjusting the stabilizing adaptor 700 as necessary to provide stability.In some instances, the toilet 1416 can be realigned while maintainingthe stabilizing adaptor 700 coupled to the device 100. In otherinstances, the user can hold the device 100 and remove the stabilizingadaptor 700 before realigning the toilet 1416. After realigning thetoilet 1416, the stabilizing adaptor 700 can again be coupled to thedevice 100 as described above to stabilize the front end of the toilet1416.

Once the toilet 1416 is secured to the wall mount 1415, the user canremove the stabilizing adaptor 700 from the device 100 by removing thecoupling element 704 from the hole in the end cap 126. If necessary, thecollar 703 can be unlocked and the elongated member 701 displaced tolift the base 711 off the ground 1417 enough to remove the couplingelement 704. The device 100 can then be removed from the toilet 1416, assimilarly described above for FIGS. 10A and 10B.

Various other modifications and alternations in the device and methodsof operation of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilledin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentdisclosure. Although the present disclosure has been described inconnection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understoodthat the present disclosure as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments.

In certain aspects, various embodiments of the devices and methodsdescribed herein can provide one or more benefits to the user whenmoving the toilet, such as one or more of the following benefits. Asingle user can move the toilet with one or both hands. Two or moreusers can hold the elongated member to move the toilet while standing onopposite sides of the toilet. The user can transport the toilet up anddown stairs in a smooth manner. The user can stand upright on one sideof the toilet while moving the toilet. The user is not required to bendover far to lift the toilet since the elongated member is used as ahandle and can be maintained at, or above, the height of the toiletbowl. The user is not required to bend over and secure the toilet with afree hand while holding the toilet against a wall mount with the otherhand, such as when utilizing a stabilizing adaptor. The user is notrequired to straddle over the toilet while bending over to move thetoilet. The user can transport the toilet up and down stairs, or overuneven or rough surfaces, in a smooth manner. Example applications forthe device can include, but are not limited to, transporting a toilet,repairing a toilet, removing a toilet, installing a toilet, etc. Morespecific example activities or repairs can include, but are not limitedto, setting a toilet on a new wax ring, replacing a wax ring, unclogginga toilet, mounting a toilet to wall mount or floor mount, connecting thetoilet to anchor bolts or flange bolts, etc. Various types of users canuse the device, such as homeowners, tenants, construction workers,plumbers, etc. The device can be small and lightweight, which can makeit portable and easy to store, transport, carry, and use. The device canbe convenient and simple to use. The device can be inexpensive and easyto manufacture. The device can be a much more cost-effective solutionthan larger systems on the market. The device can provide varioussanitary benefits as well. For example, the user is not required toinsert any hands into the toilet bowl to couple the device to move thetoilet. Furthermore, the elongated member of the device does not enterthe inside of the toilet bowl. Further, the elongated member is notrequired to necessarily touch the rim or the neck of the toilet. Stillfurther, once the user if finished moving the toilet, the user canremove the extension elements for cleaning, such as steam cleaning.

Kits

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, kits for use in practicingthe above-described methods are also provided. The kits can include oneor more toilet moving devices; one or more components of the toiletmoving devices (e.g., the elongated member, the collars, the extensionelements, the locking mechanisms, the engaging members as a whole, theend caps, etc.); one or more adaptors configured to work in conjunctionwith the toilet moving devices (e.g., adaptors to couple to the neck ofthe toilet, or adaptors to stabilize the toilet); one or more componentsof the adaptors; or any combination of one or more of the precedingitems listed. It should be appreciated that the kit can include one ormore devices for moving a toilet that does not include one or morefunctional components, such as a device for moving a toilet without oneor both extension elements included. The kits can further include otheritems that can find use in practicing the subject methods. Variouscomponents can be packaged as desired, e.g., together or separately.

In addition to above-mentioned items, the subject kits can furtherinclude instructions for using the components of the kit to practice thesubject methods. The instructions for practicing the subject methods aregenerally recorded on a suitable recording medium. For example, theinstructions can be printed on a substrate, such as paper or plastic,etc. As such, the instructions can be present in the kits as a packageinsert, in the labeling of the container of the kit or componentsthereof (i.e., associated with the packaging or subpackaging) etc. Inother embodiments, the instructions are present as an electronic storagedata file present on a suitable computer readable storage medium, e.g.CD-ROM, diskette, etc. In yet other embodiments, the actual instructionsare not present in the kit, but means for obtaining the instructionsfrom a remote source, e.g. via the internet, are provided. An example ofthis embodiment is a kit that includes a web address where theinstructions can be viewed and/or from which the instructions can bedownloaded. As with the instructions, this means for obtaining theinstructions is recorded on a suitable substrate.

Example Embodiments

In certain aspects, a hand-held device for moving a toilet is providedthat can include an elongated member, a first engaging member, and asecond engaging member. The first engaging member and the secondengaging member can be coupled to the elongated member and extendradially away from the elongated member. The first engaging member caninclude a first contact surface that is disposed distal to the elongatedmember and that is configured to engage the toilet. The second engagingmember can include a second contact surface that is disposed distal tothe elongated member and that is configured to engage the toilet.

In one embodiment, the first engaging member can be displaceablelongitudinally along the elongated member in a first unlocked mode, andthe first engaging member can be fixed longitudinally along theelongated member in a first locked mode. In one embodiment, the secondengaging member can be displaceable longitudinally along the elongatedmember in a second unlocked mode, and the second engaging member canfixed longitudinally along the elongated member in a second locked mode.In one embodiment, the first engaging member can include a firstconnector coupled to the elongated member and a first extension elementcoupled to the first connector. The first connector can be displaceablelongitudinally along the elongated member in the first unlocked mode,and the first connector can be fixed longitudinally along the elongatedmember in the first locked mode. The first extension element can includethe first contact surface disposed distal to the elongated member. Inone embodiment, the second engaging member can include a secondconnector coupled to the elongated member and a second extension elementcoupled to the second connector. The second connector can bedisplaceable longitudinally along the elongated member in the secondunlocked mode, and the second connector can be fixed longitudinallyalong the elongated member in the second locked mode. The secondextension element can include the second contact surface disposed distalto the elongated member. In one embodiment, the first connector can be afirst collar and the first extension element can be a first shackle. Thesecond connector can be a second collar and the second extension elementcan be a second shackle. In one embodiment, the first collar can beconfigured to secure to the first shackle with the first shackledisposed in one or more first through-holes in a first body of the firstcollar, and the second collar can be configured to secure to the secondshackle with the second shackle disposed in one or more secondthrough-holes in a second body of the second collar. In one embodiment,the first extension element can be removably coupled to the firstconnector, and the second extension element can be removably coupled tothe second connector.

In one embodiment, a first distance that the first contact surface isdisposed distal to the elongated member can be adjustable, and a seconddistance that the second contact surface is disposed distal to theelongated member can be adjustable.

In certain aspects, a method of moving a toilet is provided that caninclude coupling a hand-held device to the toilet. The hand-held devicecan include an elongated member, a first engaging member, and a secondengaging member. The first engaging member and the second engagingmember can be coupled to the elongated member and extend radially awayfrom the elongated member. The first engaging member can include a firstcontact surface that is disposed distal to the elongated member and thatis configured to engage the toilet. The second engaging member caninclude a second contact surface that is disposed distal to theelongated member and that is configured to engage the toilet. The methodcan also include applying force to the elongated member to move thetoilet.

In one embodiment, the coupling of the hand-held device to the toiletcan further include engaging a rim of the toilet with the first contactsurface, and engaging the rim of the toilet with the second contactsurface. In one embodiment, the method can further include coupling astabilizing adaptor to the hand-held device coupled to the toilet;maintaining the toilet off ground and against a wall mount with theapplied force to the elongated member; propping up the toilet with thestabilizing adaptor while maintaining the toilet off the ground andagainst the wall mount with the applied force; and removing the appliedforce to the elongated member. The stabilizing adaptor can prop up thetoilet off the ground and against the wall mount after the applied forceis removed.

In one embodiment, the coupling of the hand-held device to the toiletcan further include engaging a neck of the toilet with the first contactsurface, and engaging the neck of the toilet with the second contactsurface. The first contact surface and the second contact surface canengage the neck from around the neck.

In one embodiment, the coupling of the hand-held device to the toiletcan further include engaging a neck of the toilet with the first contactsurface, and engaging the neck of the toilet with the second contactsurface. The first contact surface and the second contact surface canengage the neck through seat holes in the neck of the toilet.

In one embodiment, the method can further include coupling an adaptor toa neck of the toilet. The coupling of the hand-held device to the toiletcan further include engaging the neck of the toilet with the firstcontact surface; and engaging the neck of the toilet with the secondcontact surface. The first contact surface and the second contactsurface can engage the neck via the adaptor coupled to the neck.

In one embodiment, the method can further include coupling an adaptor toa neck of the toilet. The coupling of the hand-held device to the toiletcan further include engaging the neck of the toilet with the firstcontact surface, and engaging a rim of the toilet with the secondcontact surface. The first contact surface can engage the neck via thecoupling adaptor coupled to the neck. The method can further includecoupling a stabilizing adaptor to the hand-held device coupled to thetoilet; maintaining the toilet off ground and against a wall mount withthe applied force to the elongated member; propping up the toilet withthe stabilizing adaptor while maintaining the toilet off the ground andagainst the wall mount with the applied force; and removing the appliedforce to the elongated member. The stabilizing adaptor can prop up thetoilet off the ground and against the wall mount after the applied forceis removed.

In one embodiment, the method can further include coupling an adaptor toa neck of the toilet. The coupling of the hand-held device to the toiletcan further include engaging a neck of the toilet with the first contactsurface, and engaging a rim of the toilet with the second contactsurface. The first contact surface can engage the neck through a seathole in the neck. e method can further include coupling a stabilizingadaptor to the hand-held device coupled to the toilet; maintaining thetoilet off ground and against a wall mount with the applied force to theelongated member; propping up the toilet with the stabilizing adaptorwhile maintaining the toilet off the ground and against the wall mountwith the applied force; and removing the applied force to the elongatedmember. The stabilizing adaptor can prop up the toilet off the groundand against the wall mount after the applied force is removed.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a hand-held device formoving a toilet is provided that can include a handle, a first collar,and a second collar. The first collar can be coupled to the handle andcan be configured to slide along the handle in a first unlocked mode andto positionally secure along the handle in a first locked mode. Thefirst collar can be configured to receive and secure to one or moreremovable shackles. The second collar can be coupled to the hand and canbe configured to slide along the handle in a second unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a second locked mode. The secondcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles.

In one embodiment, the device can include a first removable shacklesecured to the first collar and a second removable shackle secured tothe second collar. The first removable shackle can extend away from thehandle and can have a first surface for contacting the toilet. Thesecond removable shackle can extend away from the handle and can have asecond surface for contacting the toilet. In one embodiment, the firstcollar can be configured to secure to one or more grooves on the firstremovable shackle when the first removable shackle is inserted withinone or more first through-holes in the first collar. The second collarcan be configured to secure to one or more grooves on the secondremovable shackle when the second removable shackle is inserted withinone or more second through-holes in the second collar.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method of moving atoilet is provided that can include coupling a hand-held device to thetoilet. The hand-held device can include a handle, a first collar, and asecond collar. The first collar can be coupled to the handle and can beconfigured to slide along the handle in a first unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a first locked mode. The firstcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles. The second collar can be coupled to the hand and can beconfigured to slide along the handle in a second unlocked mode and topositionally secure along the handle in a second locked mode. The secondcollar can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles.

Experimental Examples

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how tomake and use the embodiments of the invention, and are not intended tolimit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention nor arethey intended to represent that the experiments below are all or theonly experiments performed. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracywith respect to numbers used (e.g., lengths, widths, diameters, etc.)but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for.Furthermore, the following examples are provided with illustrativeshapes, sizes, materials, and measurements. It should be appreciatedthat the shapes, sizes, materials, and measurements provided areillustrative and are not intended to be limiting. It should beappreciated that other shapes, sizes, materials, and measurements can beimplemented in other embodiments without compromising the underlyingprinciples of the present disclosure.

In one experimental example for the device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,the elongated member 101 of the device 100 (e.g., the device 100 shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B) can be made from a stainless steel cylindrical tubehaving a 1-inch outside diameter, a 0.065-inch thick wall, and an18-inch length. The end caps 126,127 and the collars 104,105 of thedevice 100 can be made of high strength industrial plastic, such as onefrom the King Starboard® family of plastics made by King PlasticCorporation. The end caps can include a 5/16 in. hole to enable astabilizing adaptor (e.g., the stabilizing adaptor 700 shown in FIG. 7)to couple to the device 100. The friction washers 114 can be made out ofa 16-gauge stainless steel sheet and can be oval (or egg shaped) withthe widest width being 2 in. and the shortest width 1¾ in. The frictionwashers 114 can be bent with a slightly curved (or “S”) shape to provideangled surface tension to increase friction against the elongated member101. The friction washers 114 can have a 1 1/32 in. main hole and asmaller ¼ in. hole disposed approximately 3/16 in. under the main hole.The main hole can enable the friction washers 114 to displacelongitudinally along the elongated member 101 as needed or to remainfixed when secured. The retaining rod 116 can be disposed within thesmaller ¼ in. hole and can secure the friction washers 114 to the collar104. A 10-24 nut can be screwed to each end of the retaining rod 116 tosecure the retaining rod 116 to the friction washers 114. The springs112 can be spring tempered compression springs having a 1.218 in.outside diameter, a 0.08 wire diameter, and a 1 in. length. The springs112 can include approximately two full revolutions of coils. Theextension elements 106,107 can be made of a 5/16 in. stainless steelrod. The legs 124,125 of the extension elements 106,107 can beapproximately 8½ in. and can include three pairs of grooves 122,123,respectively. The extension elements 106,107 can have a rubber coatingover the contact surfaces 108,109 and over approximately 2 in. of thelegs 124,125 of the extension elements 108,109, respectively. Thelocking element 118 can be made from an acetal plastic rod having a 5/16in. diameter and a 2⅞ in. length. The locking element 118 can includethe notch 134 having a ¾ in. length and a 3/16 in. depth. The spring 133can be a steel hardened compression spring having a 0.187 in. outsidediameter, a 0.018 in. wire diameter, and a ¾ in. length. When placed inthe collar 104, the retaining rod 116 can be disposed in the notch 134to provide the force that biases the locking element 118 in the lockedmode. The retaining rod 116 can be stainless steel and can have a 3/16in. diameter and a 1¾ in. length. The retaining rod 116 can be tapped oneach end to secure a 10-24 nut. The retaining rod 116 can be disposedwithin the retaining through-hole 132 after the locking element 118 andthe spring 133 have been inserted into the locking through-hole 131. Inthis way, the retaining rod 116 can retain the friction washers 114 andprovide a stop for the locking element 118 and the spring 133.

In one experimental example for the collar 104 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B,and 2C, the body 120 of the collar 104 can be 1 in. thick, 2½ in. wide,and 2¼ in. long. Furthermore, the body 120 can be made from a highstrength industrial plastic, such as one from the King Starboard® familyof plastics made by King Plastic Corporation. The main through-hole 128can have a diameter of 1 1/32 in. The through-holes 129,130 can have a5/16 in. diameter and can be disposed approximately 1¾ in. apart. Thelocking through-hole 131 can have a 5/16 in. diameter and can cutthrough 1/16 in. of the edge of each of the extension through-holes129,130. The retaining through-hole 132 can have a ¼ in. diameter andcan be disposed 3/16 in. below the main through-hole 128. The hole 142can have a diameter of approximately ¼ in. and can be disposedapproximately ⅛ in. from the locking through-hole 131.

In one experimental example for the extension element 106 shown in FIG.3, the extension element 106 can made from a stainless steel rod havinga 5/16 in. diameter and a 22 in. length. The center axes of the legs 124can be approximately 1¾ in. apart to align with the extensionthrough-holes 129,130. The extension element 106 can be bentapproximately 90-degrees at 7½ in. from the ends of each of the legs124. The length L1 of the contact surface 108 can be approximately 4 in.The contact surface 108 can be in the general shape of an isoscelestriangle, with the sides 136,137 corresponding to the two equal sides ofthe isosceles triangle. For example, the sides 136,137 can beapproximately 3¾ in. long and angled to provide the narrowing width W1.The grooves 122A,122B,122C can be spaced approximately 2 in. apart alongthe length of the legs. In this way, the contact surface 108 can bemaintained at different distal distances from the elongated membervarying by approximately 2 in. increments. The extension element 106 caninclude a rubber coating 140 over the contact surface 108 andapproximately 2¼ in. up the legs 124.

In one experimental example for the extension element 406 shown in FIG.4, the extension element 406 can be made from a stainless steel rodhaving a 5/16 in. diameter and a 23 in. length. The center axis of thelegs 424 of the extension element 406 can be approximately 1¾ in. apartto align with the extension through-holes 129,130. The extension element406 can be bent 90 degrees at approximately 7½ in. from the ends of eachleg 424 of the extension element 106. The contact surface 408 can be inthe general shape of an isosceles trapezoid, with the sides 436,437,438corresponding to only three of the sides of the isosceles trapezoid. Forexample, the sides 436,437 can be the two non-parallel legs of thetrapezoid, while the side 438 can be the longer base of the trapezoid.The sides 436,437 can be 2½ in. long and can be angled out at45-degrees. The side 438 can have a 4 in. length. The grooves422A,422B,422C can be spaced approximately 2 in. apart along the lengthof the legs 424. In this way, the contact surface 408 can be maintainedat different distal distances from the elongated member 101 varying byapproximately 2 in. increments. The extension element 406 can include arubber coating over the contact surface 408 and approximately 2¼ in. upthe legs 424.

In one experimental example for the extension element 506 shown in FIG.5, the extension element 506 can be made from a stainless steel rodhaving a 5/16 in. diameter and a 6½ in. length. The extension element506 can be bent approximately 90-degrees at one end to form a 1½ in. lipthat can be inserted through the seat hole of the toilet and utilized asthe contact surface 508 that contacts the bottom side of the neck of thetoilet when engaged. The grooves 522A,522B can be spaced approximately 2in. apart along the length of the leg 524. In this way, the contactsurface 508 can be maintained at different distal distances from theelongated member 101 varying by approximately 2 in. increments. Theextension element 506 can include a rubber coating over the contactsurface 508 and approximately 2¼ in. up the leg 524.

In one experimental example for the coupling adaptor 600 shown in FIG.6, the body 601 of the coupling adaptor 600 can be approximately 9 in.long and 2¾ in. wide. The spacing elements 602 can be cylinders having a1¼ in. diameter and a 2 in. length. The spacing elements 602 can bescrewed to the body 601 and can provide a space of 2 in. between theneck of the toilet and the body of the adaptor when coupled to thetoilet. The holes 604,605 can be approximately ⅝ in. diameter holes andcan be utilized to receive the extension element 506. The holes 604 canbe disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the body 601 and canbe approximately 1⅜ in. from the longitudinal ends of the body 601. Thecenters of each of the holes 605 can be disposed approximately 1¾ in.apart from each other and can be disposed symmetrically across thecentral horizontal axis of the body 601. The holes 606 can beapproximately ⅜ in. in width and approximately 2 in. in length, and canbe disposed near the longitudinal ends of the body 601. The body 601 andspacing elements 602 can be made from a high strength industrialplastic, such as one from the King Starboard® family of plastics made byKing Plastic Corporation. The securing element 603 can be a strap madefrom Nylon, for example, or other material that is strong enough tosupport the weight of the toilet during use.

In one experimental example for the stabilizing adaptor 700 shown inFIG. 7, the elongated member 701 can be a stainless steel cylindricaltube having approximately a 1-inch outside diameter, a 0.065-inch thickwall, and a 21-inch length. The end cap 710, the base 711, and collar703 can be made of high strength industrial plastic, such as one fromthe King Starboard® family of plastics made by King Plastic Corporation.The coupling element 704 of the collar 703 can be a stainless steel rodhaving a 5/16 in. diameter and 5 in. length. The through-hole of thecollar 703 that receives the elongated member 701 can have a diameter of1 1/32. The hole of the collar 703, in which the retaining rod 708 isdisposed, can have a ¼ in. diameter and can be disposed 3/16 in. below,and parallel to, the through-hole receiving the elongated member 701.

Throughout the foregoing description, and for the purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the described techniques. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these techniques canbe practiced without some of these specific details. Although variousembodiments that incorporate these teachings have been shown anddescribed in detail, those skilled in the art could readily devise manyother varied embodiments or mechanisms to incorporate these techniques.Also, embodiments can include various operations as set forth above,fewer operations, or more operations; or operations in an order.Accordingly, the scope and spirit of the invention should be judged interms of the claims, which follow as well as the legal equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-held device for moving a toilet, thedevice comprising: an elongated member; a first engaging member coupledto the elongated member and extending radially away from the elongatedmember, wherein the first engaging member comprises a first contactsurface configured to engage the toilet, the first contact surfacedisposed distal to the elongated member; and a second engaging membercoupled to the elongated member and extending radially away from theelongated member, wherein the second engaging member comprises a secondcontact surface configured to engage the toilet, the second contactsurface disposed distal to the elongated member.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein the first engaging member is displaceable longitudinallyalong the elongated member in a first unlocked mode, and wherein thefirst engaging member is fixed longitudinally along the elongated memberin a first locked mode.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the secondengaging member is displaceable longitudinally along the elongatedmember in a second unlocked mode, and wherein the second engaging memberis fixed longitudinally along the elongated member in a second lockedmode.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first engaging membercomprises: a first connector coupled to the elongated member, whereinthe first connector is displaceable longitudinally along the elongatedmember in the first unlocked mode, and wherein the first connector isfixed longitudinally along the elongated member in the first lockedmode; and a first extension element coupled to the first connector,wherein the first extension element comprises the first contact surfacedisposed distal to the elongated member.
 5. The device of claim 4,wherein the second engaging member comprises: a second connector coupledto the elongated member, wherein the second connector is displaceablelongitudinally along the elongated member in the second unlocked mode,and wherein the second connector is fixed longitudinally along theelongated member in the second locked mode; and a second extensionelement coupled to the second connector, wherein the second extensionelement comprises the second contact surface disposed distal to theelongated member.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first connectoris a first collar and the first extension element is a first shackle,and wherein the second connector is a second collar and the secondextension element is a second shackle.
 7. The device of claim 6, whereinthe first collar is configured to secure to the first shackle with thefirst shackle disposed in one or more first through-holes in a firstbody of the first collar, and wherein the second collar is configured tosecure to the second shackle with the second shackle disposed in one ormore second through-holes in a second body of the second collar.
 8. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein the first extension element is removablycoupled to the first connector, and wherein the second extension elementis removably coupled to the second connector.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein a first distance that the first contact surface is disposeddistal to the elongated member is adjustable, and wherein a seconddistance that the second contact surface is disposed distal to theelongated member is adjustable.
 10. A method of moving a toilet, themethod comprising: coupling a hand-held device to the toilet, thehand-held device comprising: an elongated member; a first engagingmember coupled to the elongated member and extending radially away fromthe elongated member, wherein the first engaging member comprises afirst contact surface configured to engage the toilet, the first contactsurface disposed distal to the elongated member; and a second engagingmember coupled to the elongated member and extending radially away fromthe elongated member, wherein the second engaging member comprises asecond contact surface configured to engage the toilet, the secondcontact surface disposed distal to the elongated member; and applyingforce to the elongated member to move the toilet.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein coupling the hand-held device to the toilet furthercomprises: engaging a rim of the toilet with the first contact surface;and engaging the rim of the toilet with the second contact surface. 12.The method of claim 11, further comprising: coupling a stabilizingadaptor to the hand-held device coupled to the toilet; maintaining thetoilet off ground and against a wall mount with the applied force to theelongated member; propping up the toilet with the stabilizing adaptorwhile maintaining the toilet off the ground and against the wall mountwith the applied force; and removing the applied force to the elongatedmember, wherein the stabilizing adaptor props up the toilet off theground and against the wall mount after the applied force is removed.13. The method of claim 10, wherein coupling the hand-held device to thetoilet further comprises: engaging a neck of the toilet with the firstcontact surface; and engaging the neck of the toilet with the secondcontact surface; wherein the first contact surface and the secondcontact surface engage the neck from around the neck.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein coupling the hand-held device to the toilet furthercomprises: engaging a neck of the toilet with the first contact surface;and engaging the neck of the toilet with the second contact surface;wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface engagethe neck through seat holes in the neck of the toilet.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising coupling an adaptor to a neck of thetoilet; wherein coupling the hand-held device to the toilet furthercomprises: engaging the neck of the toilet with the first contactsurface; and engaging the neck of the toilet with the second contactsurface; wherein the first contact surface and the second contactsurface engage the neck via the adaptor coupled to the neck.
 16. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: coupling an adaptor to a neck ofthe toilet; wherein coupling the hand-held device to the toilet furthercomprises: engaging the neck of the toilet with the first contactsurface; and engaging a rim of the toilet with the second contactsurface; wherein the first contact surface engages the neck via thecoupling adaptor coupled to the neck; coupling a stabilizing adaptor tothe hand-held device coupled to the toilet; maintaining the toilet offground and against a wall mount with the applied force to the elongatedmember; propping up the toilet with the stabilizing adaptor whilemaintaining the toilet off the ground and against the wall mount withthe applied force; and removing the applied force to the elongatedmember, wherein the stabilizing adaptor props up the toilet off theground and against the wall mount after the applied force is removed.17. The method of claim 10, further comprising: coupling an adaptor to aneck of the toilet; wherein coupling the hand-held device to the toiletfurther comprises: engaging a neck of the toilet with the first contactsurface; and engaging a rim of the toilet with the second contactsurface; wherein the first contact surface engages the neck through aseat hole in the neck; coupling a stabilizing adaptor to the hand-helddevice coupled to the toilet; maintaining the toilet off ground andagainst a wall mount with the applied force to the elongated member;propping up the toilet with the stabilizing adaptor while maintainingthe toilet off the ground and against the wall mount with the appliedforce; and removing the applied force to the elongated member, whereinthe stabilizing adaptor props up the toilet off the ground and againstthe wall mount after the applied force is removed.
 18. A hand-helddevice for moving a toilet, the device comprising: a handle; a firstcollar coupled to the handle, wherein the first collar is configured toslide along the handle in a first unlocked mode and to positionallysecure along the handle in a first locked mode, and wherein the firstcollar is configured to receive and secure to one or more removableshackles; and a second collar coupled to the handle, wherein the secondcollar is configured to slide along the handle in a second unlocked modeand to positionally secure along the handle in a second locked mode, andwherein the second collar is configured to receive and secure to one ormore removable shackles.
 19. The device of claim 18, further comprising:a first removable shackle secured to the first collar, the firstremovable shackle extending away from the handle and having a firstsurface for contacting the toilet; and a second removable shacklesecured to the second collar, the second removable shackle extendingaway from the handle and having a second surface for contacting thetoilet.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first collar isconfigured to secure to one or more grooves on the first removableshackle when the first removable shackle is inserted within one or morefirst through-holes in the first collar, and wherein the second collaris configured to secure to one or more grooves on the second removableshackle when the second removable shackle is inserted within one or moresecond through-holes in the second collar.